Kids dribble ball, Covid blues on field

Tribune News Service
Jalandhar, November 18

Around 100 children  regularly take part in a coaching camp being held at Surjit Hockey Stadium, Jalandhar. The Surjit Hockey Society has been holding the camp for the last 58 days.

Initially, there were just five children. The camp was started by Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner Ghansham Thori.

Iqbal Singh Sandhu, secretary, Surjit Hockey Society, said more than 100 players were participating in this coaching camp to stay fit and lead a drug-free life.

Surinder Singh Bhapa, director (Training), said they had not expected such a response due to the Covid-19 outbreak. “We have seen students coming with their wards. All they want is that their child plays and remains fit. This is the main objective of everyone during the pandemic,” he said.

The kids are being trained by experienced coaches, including Olympian Rajinder Singh, Dronacharaya Awardee, Davinder Singh, Avtar Singh Pinka and Yadvinder Singh Johnny.

“No fee is charged from those attending the camp. “Apart from hockey sticks and fruits, soaked almonds are given to U-14 and U-19 participants daily,” said Sandhu.

He said they were taking every precaution to ensure safety of children. “We ask them to sanitise their hands, hockey sticks and then play,” he said.

The office-bearers said former Indian hockey skipper and Padma Shri Pargat Singh along with Olympian Sanjeev Kumar Dang and Gundeep Kumar, would bless the players and tell them tricks to be followed on the field on November 21.

Surinder Singh Bhapa urged parents to send their wards to the camp.

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