Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, April 19: The observer of Andaman and Nicobar Hockey Association today said that the Lower Level officials of Andaman Nicobar Administration are responsible for the last two defeats of Andaman’s Hockey Team in the National Level tournament.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha, Dr Jijth Rekh, Observer, Andaman Nicobar Hockey Association today said that the hockey team which is participating in 7th Junior National Hockey Championship did not get required support from Administration.
“The Hockey team was not even allowed to practice in Netaji Stadium or velodrome. It is only after intervention of senior officers the team was allowed for nearly one month but the condition of ground was horrible,” he said.
Dr. Rekh added that the players in Andaman neither have synthetic ground not proper hockey sticks, which is another reason for this defeat.
“Instead of calling it shameful defeat the courage of local players must be lauded because they have financed their own participation as the administration did not give us any financial grant,” he added.
The observer added that the hockey association wants to sent local youths to mainland for practise in synthetic turn hockey field so that before match they get accustomed to mainland environment but for that the association don’t have financial support.
When Andaman Sheekha went for a comment from Director or Andaman’s Sports Department he said that he can only comment only after getting permission from Chief Secretary.
