My Hockey Career Could Not take Off Because Of " FILTHY - FAVOURITSM " :: Hockey In Uttar Pradesh Is " POLITICISED "
Pic - :: Sujit Kumar Famous For His Plus 40 yards Of " SCOOP " Uses His Wrist To Exhibit One For India Against Pakistan
Beginning his hockey journey at age five, Kumar speaks out for the good of the game.
Sujit Kumar Srivastava epitomizes the quintessential Indian hockey
story with a narrative woven intricately with familial legacy and innate
talent. From modest origins to being the erstwhile captain of the 1982 Junior
Indian Hockey Team to playing in the 1988 Seoul Olympics, Sujit assumed
leadership with aplomb. He showcased exemplary skill and finesse with his
hockey stick. For 16 long years with Indian Airlines, Sujit’s versatility shone
brightly, and he seamlessly transitioned between diverse positions on the
hockey field, underscoring his adaptability and mastery of the game.
His journey is predestined and stems from a lineage deeply
entrenched in the sport. He says, “My hockey journey is deeply rooted in my
family’s legacy. Hockey has been a tradition passed down through generations,
from my grandparents to my parents. My grandfather, the late Rakesh Kumar Singh
Srivastava, and my uncle, Girish Srivastava, played instrumental roles in
introducing me to the sport at a young age. Under their guidance, along with
the support of my brother Ajit, I began my hockey journey at the tender age of
five. As I progressed in my schooling, my family’s influence remained pivotal.
In eighth grade, I had the opportunity to attend a trial for the Sports Hostel,
an experience I shared with my brother Ajit. I was fortunate to be selected for
the Sports Hostel in Meerut there. Throughout my time at the hostel, I was
under the tutelage of Mr. K. H. Sharma, who played a significant role in
shaping my skills and passion for hockey during those formative years.”
Sujit’s hero in hockey is the iconic figure of Ashok Kumar. He
recalls his hero’s extraordinary stick work and dribbling skills, which made
him a phenomenon and an inspiration to him and many other players.
As a kid growing up in the
sports hostel, Sujit started a Left Half. However, he also played centre-half
and right-out positions. After his time at the Sports Hostel, Sujit joined the
State Bank of India for two years. At this juncture, he decided to leave that
job when Indian Airlines offered me a chance to play for them. He says, “Little did I know, it would begin a remarkable 16-year
journey with Indian Airlines. It’s quite remarkable how fate works, from being
a ball boy watching Ashok Kumar play at the K.D. Singh Memorial Hockey
tournament in Lucknow to eventually play alongside him at Indian Airlines.
Together, we clinched numerous major trophies, etching our names in the annals
of Indian hockey history.”
At a higher level for India and Indian Airlines, Sujit
predominantly played as a Left Half. He made his India debut against East
Germany in 1982. On motivation and passion, Sujit says, “The realization
of my family’s financial struggles motivated me and others to strive for the
Indian team. We practised relentlessly, even during the rainy season,
demonstrating our commitment to the sport.”
Sujit recalled his playing days with rich pride and emotions, especially his time for Indian Airlines in various domestic tournaments in India, where he played with his hero and one of India’s most significant. He narrated, “Two tournaments stand out prominently in my mind. Firstly, the Aga Khan tournament in 1979 left a lasting impression. I was just 18 years old, playing for the Sports Hostel Lucknow. Despite being underestimated, we surprised everyone with our performance, even enjoying a trip around Mumbai arranged by the organizers. Our encounter with Indian Airlines in the semi-finals was particularly memorable despite ultimately losing to their formidable line-up. Another unforgettable moment was during a match against Pakistan International Airlines (P.I.A) in the early nineties. Facing a team boasting nine Olympians who had won gold in Los Angeles, the atmosphere was electric. Against all odds, we emerged victorious with a remarkable 4-1 win. It was a match where Ashok Kumar’s remarkable skills defied age, leaving spectators in awe. This match remains etched in my memory as a testament to the magic of hockey and the prowess of players like Ashok Kumar
In an exclusive interview
with The Sports Column, Kumar reminisced about his early
days, the death of offside rule, and his enduring passion for field hockey.
Ravi: Who
do you consider the most outstanding goalkeeper in field hockey?
Sujit Kumar: I have
not seen Shankar Laxman play. P.R. Sreejesh stands out as the top goalkeeper.
Ravi: Could
you retell something about abolishing the offside rule and the rolling-in
substitution?
Sujit Kumar: The
abolition of the offside rule has dealt a significant blow to the essence of
hockey, stripping away its original artistry and magic. The game has lost a
crucial element that once defined its glorious history. On the other hand, I
feel the introduction of rolling substitution has transformed the dynamics of modern
hockey. In today’s fast-paced game, each player is afforded only a few
opportunities to showcase their best within the 60-minute timeframe divided
into four halves. Expecting a player to maintain peak performance throughout is
unrealistic, hence the need for strategic substitutions. Also, this evolution
has turned hockey into a power-packed spectacle demanding every player’s
explosive performances. An unfit player cannot keep up with the intensity of
modern hockey.
Ravi: What
are your expectations for the Indian team’s performance in Paris?
Sujit Kumar: It’s
disheartening to see the women’s team miss out on the Paris Olympics, but with
Harendra Singh at the helm, I’m optimistic about their future prospects. They’ll rise like the morning sun. As for the
men’s team, I’m confident they’ll secure a place on the podium in Paris. Their
abilities speak volumes. They should have clinched at least a silver in Tokyo,
but unfortunate circumstances led to a loss in the semi-finals to Belgium.
Similarly, the women’s team, led by Rani Rampal, showed great promise despite
lacking experience and narrowly missed the bronze.
Ravi: Can
you comment on the lack of recognition for players from your generation?
Sujit Kumar: It’s
unfortunate but true. Internal favoritism and biases towards specific
individuals have deprived many players, including me, of opportunities. I could
have contributed more as a player and now as a coach in Lucknow, nurturing
talent for the state. Despite receiving a lucrative coaching offer, it was for
a location in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, where hockey isn’t prominent compared to
the other areas of my state. However, I remain fervently willing to extend my
expertise and services in Lucknow should the opportunity arise. The pervasive
influence of favouritism and lobbying within the sporting landscape of Uttar
Pradesh has proven detrimental to the holistic development of sports.
Nevertheless, I acknowledge and commend the endeavours undertaken by the current
Chief Minister to foster sports, including our national game, hockey.
Ravi: How
has the Bronze Medal impacted Indian hockey?
Sujit Kumar: Unfortunately, in Uttar Pradesh, the impact hasn’t been significant due to the predominantly underprivileged background of talented individuals. Unlike Punjab and Haryana, where parents have better financial means to support their children’s sporting endeavours, many in Uttar Pradesh need help to afford such opportunities. In response, we established the K.D. Singh Babu society is dedicated to nurturing talent from a young age. We invest Rs 80 lakhs annually to organize the Under 14 championship for both boys and girls, with an additional Rs two lakhs for the state-level championship to groom future players. I take immense pride in noting that four players from our state have successfully been pro-beneficiaries of the K.D. Singh Babu Society scheme to represent India on the international stage.
Mr Shyamal Bhattacharjee, the author was born at West Chirimiri Colliery at District Surguja, Chattisgarh on July 6th 1959 He received his early education at Carmel Convent School Bishrampur and later at Christ Church Boys' Higher Secondary School at Jabalpur. He later joined Hislop College at Nagpur and completed his graduation in Science and he also added a degree in B A thereafter. He joined the HITAVADA, a leading dailies of Central India at Nagpur as a Sub-Editor ( Sports ) but gave up to complete his MBA in 1984 He thereafter added a Diploma In Export Management. He has authored SIX books namely Notable Quotes and Noble Thought published by Pustak Mahal in 2001 Indian Cricket : Faces That Changed It published by Manas Publications in 2009 and Essential Of Office Management published by NBCA, Kolkatta in 2012, GOLDEN QUOTES on Inspiration, Sorrow, Peace and Life, published by B.F.C Publications, Lucknow, and QUOTES:: Evolution and Origin of Management Electives by Clever Fox Publishing, Chennai and From Dhyan To Dhan :: Indian Hockey - Sudden Death Or Extra Time published by Clever Fox Publishing House and his FIRST book on Hindi poem, which reads as " BHED HAI GEHRA - BAAT JARA SI " published by Books Clinics , Bilaspur , Chhattisgarh. He has a experience of about 35 years in Marketing .
Signature Of Shyamal Bhattacharjee
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