The knight on a white charger

In its moment of glory, amid the Foundation Day celebrations, the Telangana government did well by honouring two well-known iconic sportspersons- Nandanoori Mukesh Kumar and G Mulini Reddy. That they brought along finesse and a touch of class into hockey and volleyball respectively is well documented.

Mukesh Kumar needs all the accolades because he has been the face of Hyderabad hockey not only during his halcyon days but even today when his mentorship qualities are sought by the younger generation. If one looks back, it seems like destiny and providence have not been very kind to him, particularly since the time he retired as a player.

He has not been bestowed the rewards that one expects for one who has represented India in three Olympics-Barcelona, Atlanta and Sydney and was a much-feared right-winger who donned the national colours in 307 internationals in an envious career that spanned 16 years and included Asian Games, World Cup, Asia Cup, Azlan Shah et al.

In those days, Mukesh along with the mercurial Dhanraj Pillay and Sabu Varkey were a threat to any defence of the world. He was acknowledged as one of the world’s finest contemporary midfielders. He enjoys the distinction of scoring the fastest hockey goal in the history of Olympics when he caught the custodian on the wrong-foot exactly 31 seconds into the match against the formidable Australia in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Today, he is reasonably happy that the State Government recognised ‘my contribution towards elevating the image of the State in the world of hockey.’ Although, he received a cheque for Rs 1, 00, 116, people who follow the sport are bemused because the player could have been considered as a long-term investment for bigger rewards on the morrow.

The humble nature in him, may refrain him for seeking such sops, but the fact is that the player, who was a purist’s delight with his magical stick-play, has been nurturing the ambition of establishing a state-of-the-art academy in the city outskirts in his quest to produce the next generation of top grade players who could help India regain lost glory.

‘Rich talent is available in the State. Alas, it is going waste because there is a dearth of quality coaching centres. The ones that are available do not earn a decent livelihood. There is disillusionment because of lack of employment opportunities under sports quota.

It is a good augury that Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and IT Minister K T Rama Rao have been in the forefront of promoting a vibrant sports culture. The positives are gradually emerging in myriad disciplines,’ points out Mukesh Kumar, who a couple of years back joined the ‘Save Hockey’ campaign that was launched in the city by former player, Surender Singh.

As providence would have it, although he was allotted land for setting up an academy near Shamirpet by the YS Rajasekhara Reddy government, it ran into logistic problems as the Air Force Academy expressed apprehensions because of the proposed floodlights. After running from pillar to post, the man who once dazzled the world is somewhat downcast because his dream project remains relegated to the back-burner despite the willingness and passionate zeal.

‘I am hoping to get an audience with the decision makers so that I can unveil my blueprint and explain the benefits of having an ultra-modern academy, which can get international fixtures to the State. Actually, I am seeking land within the massive campus that houses the Telangana Sports School. Once it takes-off, I and my wife Nidhi (former international player, she has represented India with distinction) will handle the training part. We will rope in some of the best available coaches.

In fact, the boys in the Sports School can avail of the benefits of our training regimen. Taken under any yard-stick, it is bound to be a win-win situation. The only thing that is required is a green signal from the Chief Minister to earmark space within the sports school campus,’ is his plea, which hopefully the right people will hear and act upon it.

The State Government should realise that once land is allotted for the academy, funding and infrastructure support can come in from Sports Authority of India (SAI), which provides assistance for laying astro-turf and floodlights. Lest one forgets, Mukesh is an Arjuna awardee (1995) and Padma Shri (2002).

Nearing 50, his zeal for restoring the lost glory of India’s national sport is unquestionable. This is something the State Government must respond positively to and rise to the occasion like they did while honouring other notable sons of the soil. After all, this token of thanksgiving is something, Mukesh Kumar richly deserves.