Need of veterans' efforts to boost hockey: Azam

Bhopal, Jun 23 (UNI) Indian Hockey Federation former vice president Gufran Azam today said that in order to boost hockey in Bhopal, there was a need of combined efforts by all, including international-level players.

Mr Azam was addressing an inauguartion function of Bhopal Hockey Academy, which was instituted by Mr Azam himself.

''It Is unfortunate that this city, which is termed as the 'nursery of hockey', can not yield a team,'' he rued, adding that even the league championship, from which new players emerged, was also stopped.

Mr Azam said the academy was instituted to promote the sport and to produce new players.

''In this regard, besides the selection of 30 students and providing hockey kits to them nutritious food would also be given to them during practice'' he said.

Lamenting the downfall of hockey in the state capital, Mr Azam said even prominent players were motivating their children towards other games.

''Delay in astro turf in Aishbagh Stadium is delaying the Obaidullah Cup Hockey Championship and if Bhopal Hockey Association would not conduct this championship then I will organise this matches,'' he added.

Madhya Pradesh Olympic Sangh President Mahesh Joshi, State Sports Department Director Sanjay Choudhary and former Olympic players were also present there.

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