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| April 3, 2002 | Wednesday | Muharram 19,1423 |
‘India cheated to win junior World Cup’
NEW DELHI, April 2: India “cheated” their way to winning field hockey’s junior World Cup in Australia last year by fielding over-aged players, former Olympic captain Pargat Singh alleged Tuesday.
“People may not like what I am saying, but we cheated at the junior World Cup by playing those who were above the stipulated age limit,” Pargat said.
“Fielding over-aged players is not a secret in Indian hockey. But no one is willing to come out and say it openly.
“I am saying it because it is harming the game in India. It makes good reading when we win the junior World title, but has anyone cared to find out why we are not doing well at the senior-level?” Pargat said.
India, winners of eight Olympic gold medals, finished 10th in Kuala Lumpur.
There was no immediate reaction to Pargat’s charge from the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF).
Pargat, who led India at the Barcelona and Atlanta Olympics said hockey was a dying sport in India.
“Very few youngsters are taking up hockey, because they are unsure what the future holds for them,” he said.
“The IHF does not have any programme to groom youngsters. Whatever training schools are there are run by private promoters.”
Pargat said the sacking of senior Indian coach Cedric D’Souza midway during the World Cup ruined India’s image.
“That is no way to treat a coach,” he said. “There may have been a communication gap between the players and the coach, but why not wait till the tournament ends before taking any action.”
Asked if he wanted to administer hockey in India, Pargat shot back: “I will first have to learn the game of politics and the knack of getting votes.”—AFP
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