The new hockey turf at Peddem multipurpose stadium in Mapusa.
Photo Credits: Goans Hockey
MARGAO
Former Goan hockey players and officials have welcomed the State government's decision to name Peddem artificial turf facility after the legendary Major Dhyan Chand.
“Dhyan Chand led India to three gold medals at consecutive Olympic Games in 1928, 1932 and 1936. It's still the best-ever by an Indian sportsperson. Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant took notice of this today because of the increasing popularity of the sport after the men's team won the bronze in Tokyo,” former India coach and Dronacharya awardee Clarence Lobo said.
“Even our women’s team won hearts with their great performance and the entire country celebrated it. It (naming of the stadium) is a fantastic decision taken by Goa. There is a lot of hockey talent in Goa and this facility will help our budding players. I am sure after few years, we will see Goans representing the country. This is how we can build future champions,” Lobo, who coached the Indian men's team at the 2012 London Olympics, said.
Goans Hockey president Xavier Marquis, meanwhile, presented a different view. “It seems there is no other hockey legend. I feel the ground should have been named after a Goan hockey player to boost young Goans' morale,” Marquis said.
Benny Viegas, the secretary of Goans Hockey and a former State hockey player, said the facility should be opened for the players to train soon.
“Naming of the ground after Dhyan Chand is good, rather than naming the ground after some politician. But when are they opening the ground for the players to practice,” Viegas said. “Usually the name of the person after whom it is named is rarely used. Nehru Stadium at Fatorda is always mentioned as Fatorda Stadium. Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium in Delhi is mostly mentioned as National Stadium,” said Viegas.
Former State hockey player Alexander Remedios held a view similar to that of Viegas and hoped the authorities would open the turf for the players as soon as possible.
