Zakhmi Posted March 14, 2008 Share Posted March 14, 2008 MUMBAI, March 14: Even as anger mounts in the country over the Indian hockey team’s failure to qualify for the Beijing Olympics, here is another example that epitomizes everything that is wrong with Indian hockey. According to all indications, the Bombay Hockey Association (BHA) ground, which has produced a host of Olympians and internationals since its inception in 1934-35 and continues to be the lifeline for thousands of players, will soon all but vanish in thin air. In a strange way cricket is the culprit this time too. The state government, at Maharashtra Cricket Association’s bidding, has been trying to marginalize BHA for some time. The death blow came when it even served an eviction notice on BHA on flimsy grounds. MCA has been eyeing a portion of the BHA stadium for some time now to complete its circular seating arrangement at the Wankhede stadium. With Sharad Pawar at the helm of MCA and and his NCP being in power in the state, it is not difficult to understand how the last step has been taken. BHA’s troubles started as soon as its 32-year lease with the state government expired in 2003. The deputy director of sports and collector initiated the entire process by accusing the BHA authorities of contravening the terms and conditions, misusing the premises by letting it out for marriages and cultural functions and even of illegal construction, without the permission of the authorities. BHA was also accused of not paying up the Rs 25,000 for each marriage or function held at the gymkhanas or grounds belonging to the government. http://sports.indiatimes.com/How_cricket_beats_hockey/articleshow/2867293.cms Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rayne Posted March 15, 2008 Share Posted March 15, 2008 oh man hockeyz going down the drain now!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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