The sorry state of Indian Hockey

All of a sudden Indian hockey is in news for all not so good reason. Players are boycotting the world cup practice camp in Pune in order to get some justice regarding their payments. On the other hand, the Hockey India, body that is supposed to be taking care of player's issue and running the federation smoothly is giving statements in media as if they are negotiating with some hooligans. They are threatening like "We will give ultimatum of xx hrs" or "Will have to take stringent action" etc etc. As if they are dealing with some criminals. This is a really sorry state of Indian Hockey. With less than 50 days left for world cup hockey, the players should be practicing day and night to play well in the world cup in their home turf. But instead they are involved in some kind of bad negotiation and are not practicing for the tournament.

                 BUT, why are they behaving in such a manner. Well, they are asking for their due. They are asking for the incentives they deserve for the matches and win in year 2009. Though the HI (Hockey India) is trying to put the matter as if the players are trying to create unnecessary issues and are not joining the practice due to money matter, the matter is not that simple. I, as an employee, also know that tomorrow if my employer stop paying my salary I will just stop working for that company and get into another who pays me good. In the same vein, hockey players are just asking for their dues and incentives. What is wrong in that? Why the HI want to portray the situation as if the players are doing some anti-national task? Even some people are commenting as the players should think of the Nation and not the money. I just want to ask those people how long they will be with their employer when the same employer stops giving you your salary? People here leave the country and settle down in other countries just for getting better money. Then why is such a different view for the hockey players. By trying to put the issue as nation's pride does not solve the issue. This just shows that how unprofessional we are in our dealings with hockey in India. As a professional team, they should be paid what are they due to get. And yes, what HI is offering them 25K per player. Is that a joke!!! What is 25K in today's sports arena...this makes the Indian hockey just a piece of joke.
               Finally, I wish, what ever might be the situation the issue should be solved amicably and the team India should be all out in the field with a healthy set of mind and body to try and win the world cup in the home turf. I wish the players get their dues appropriately and every one start saying 'ALL IS WELL' :).