Sports & Allied News
JAMMU, Dec 13:
President Sikh Progressive Front S. Balvinder Singh along with S. Manjit Singh, S. Rajinder Singh, S. Jaswinder Singh, S. Beant Singh S. Iqbal Singh & S. Sharanjit Singh, while addessing the Presses Conference strongly condemned the arbitrary and undue action of Hockey India by suspending all participating teams and officials who recently took part in “SARBAT DA BHALAA” Hockey Tournament organised by Sikh Progressive front from 20th to 26th October 2019 at Jammu. The tournament was organised to celebrate the 550th Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Besides few local teams some reputed teams from Punjab and officials from Punjab and Haryana who were devoted to Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji participated in the said tournament as a mark of respect and didn’t involve in any financial transaction. Instead of extending their cooperation for the smooth conduct of the Tournament Hockey India took a harsh decision and banned all the participating teams and officials from Jammu as well as from the neighbouring State of Punjab and debarred them for participating in any hockey event from three to six months with effect from 10.12.2019. This act of Hockey India is unwanted and arbitrary and against the promotion of Hockey. Mr Singh said that this is one time tournament dedicated to 550th Birth Anniversary of First Sikh Guru Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji and it is not a National or All India Tournament. Besides some local teams from Jammu only teams from Punjab agreed to participate voluntary basis and free of cost.
The tournament was well excepted by the General Public, members of Sikh Community and other Hockey lovers of J&K since such a mega event was held after nearly two decades. The said tournament was telecasted live on National Channels Gulistan and by Door Darshan Sports. All present in the press conference stated that this action taken by Hockey India shows the high handed attitude as they had demanded a huge amount for their official in lieu of extending their support for the conduct of the said tournament which the organiser could not afford as the tournament was conducted with the petty donation and contributions of the community and by the voluntary services provided by some National and International Umpires & Coaches Technical Director and other officials of international repute.
President SPF along with other present their strongly condemned the action of Hockey India as well as Hockey J&K as it has not only harmed the interest of the National Game but also deeply hurt the sentiments of the Sikh Community as this tournament was dedicated to the 550th Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
