Play for the nation, don’t think of money: Hockey India to players

Zeenews Bureau Pune: The deadlock between Hockey India, who refused to pay the national hockey team’s players their dues, and the national players continued with the meeting coming to an abrupt end with the athletes walking-out. The immediate trigger for the walk-out was the decision by AK Matto, president of Hockey India, to set a 48 hour deadline for the players to resume camp that would be re-started in two days, or face the flak. He reminded the players about the glory of the game and the pride that goes with representing your country in a sport. A refusal to pay 25k for each tournament came in straight, and the outstanding amount of around four lakh per player was totally denied. Matto said, “It (players’ revolt) was hurting particularly at a time when the World Cup is round the corner. We had a detailed discussion on various issues. They (players) did not re-start the camp, wanted to continue the strike. Money is more important for the players, playing for country secondary.”He further added a warning to the players, “If you are not training, you are not required in the complex. HI is an organization that has recently come into play, the demands from the players cover a larger time span and money. No country pays players to come and practice.” He added, “When HI was formed, took place, we didn’t get any other knowledge. Give us time, unfortunately they are not interested to come and decide with us. What choice do I have, WC is happening soon.” Not really sounding practical of holding the country’s pride supreme in the national sport by fielding the best side, Matto said, “We’ll re-start the camp with probables, India will participate in the World Cup, irrespective of the people. We will pick up players from all over the country.”Elaborating on his stand, he said, “We’ll close the camp from day after, we’re giving them a day. It is in their interest. These boys have received glory playing for India.” The Indian hockey players have laid out three major demands in front of their governing body, amongst which, the foremost demand is to be paid with their entire dues, along with the incentives. In case they fail to do that, then secondly, they would like to meet the main sponsors of the team- the Sahara Group, for further discussions. And finally, the players want a gradation system to be introduced in the sport.