State eves asked to join national camp

  Just a day before hosts were to lock horns with favourites Bombay in the semifinals on Wednesday, HI sent a letter to the Sports Authority of India, South Centre, asking four of its players – Ranjitha VS, Rakshitha MC, Kulsumbi DC, Saira Banu, all representing Karnataka – to report to Delhi on April 15 to attend the selection trials for the FIH Champions Challenge I tournament.

 But after IHF and Karnataka State Hockey Association president RK Shetty intervened, the issue has been settled with the girls now delaying their trip to the Capital by two days, so that they can continue in their quest to help Karnataka regain the title after a 41-year gap.

 “I did get a call from Karnataka State Women’s Hockey Association President Radha Murthy in the morning about four girls from the State being asked to report immediately for the selection trials,” Shetty told Deccan Herald.

“Although she was happy for the girls, she expressed displeasure that their participation from the Nationals was being jeopardised.”

“The National camp has already kicked off in Delhi and that is one the reasons why Railways is not participating.

“What is the need to pick four girls right in between a tournament and asking them to report when they have a big match to play on the morrow? While it’s good they are called for the camp, but at the same time they have a chance to become stars if they are able to put it past Bombay and hopefully lift the title.”

After a talk with Sport Authority of India Madikeri in-charge, it was decided to delay the players’ departure so that they can play in the semifinals.

The move is sure to upset Hockey India, with the players unfortunately landing in a spot of bother.