SportStar April
SportStar April
SportStar April
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Saturday, April 18, 2020
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FOR THE FORTNIGHT APRIL 518, 2020
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A letter to our readers
Dear readers,
We are all facing immense challenges because of the
Covid19 pandemic. While we unitedly ght this latest threat to
humanity, life as we know it stands transformed.
Your health and wellbeing are of paramount importance to
us and we at Sportstar ask you, dear readers, to stay indoors so
we can emerge stronger from this crisis.
The pandemic has also forced us to take some extraordinary
decisions, and for the rst time in nearly 42 years, we have
decided to put our print issue on hold till at least April 15. The
nationwide lockdown enforced for our safety makes it near
impossible for us to ensure the delivery of your favourite
magazine to your doorstep. We are, however, committed to
restarting the print magazine at the earliest. For the time being,
we oer this free downloadable version of the magazine. We
have also made our April 4 issue available.
This issue highlights the challenges faced by the sporting
world and will also oer a view of the #WFH (Work from Home)
diaries of India’s top athletes, like P. V. Sindhu, Mithali Raj, A.
Sharath Kamal, P. R. Sreejesh, Shikhar Dhawan, Leander Paes
and others. India’s only individual Olympic gold medallist Abh
inav Bindra in our Cover Story writes about the “right decision”
to postpone the Tokyo Olympics to 2021 and the need for
4 The coronavirus pandemic has
played havoc with human life across
athletes to stay positive in these trying times. the globe, beyond anyone’s
To help you through these dicult times, we have also imagination. Life goes on, sans the daily
opened our archives and each day we will carry two longform dose of sports. In such a depressing
interviews from the past on our website sportstar.thehindu.com. scenario, there was no other way than
These interviews will cover every sport and include personalit postpone the Tokyo 2020 Olympics,
ies like Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Viv writes Abhinav Bindra.
Richards, Imran Khan, Virat Kohli, Allan Border, Edwin Moses,
Pargat Singh, Prakash Padukone, Carl Lewis and many more. LOCKDOWN DIARIES...
You, too, can reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook or by email 12 P. V. Sindhu
(sportstar@thehindu.co.in) and tell us about your favourite in
terviews and articles from past issues of Sportstar. We will be 24 Vijender Singh
more than happy to republish them online.
There is also a Really Tough daily sports quiz and our 48 Leander Paes
reporters will continue to le special stories and interviews and
ensure a regular reading x for all of you. 57 Shikhar Dhawan
Sport has always been a great unier, a source of joy and And more...
hope across the globe, and it will reemerge with renewed
vigour once we are past this crisis. Till then, stay indoors, Design: R. Ravikannan
continue reading Sportstar and stay safe. Poster: India’s 2011 World Cupwinning team
— Ayon Sengupta, Editor (K. R. Deepak) (Pages 3542)
All set and then... In this file photo, the Olympic Flame burns during a ceremony in Fukushima City, northern
Japan. The Games have been postponed to 2021 following the Coronavirus pandemic across the globe. AP
The only way out!
There is a lot riding on the Olympics. The scenario has given a longer
preparation time. Enjoy every moment, take all positives, soak in them, and
resist frustration, so as to be at your best when it matters.
T
he majority of humanity is under lock mittees, IOC members and various others.
down. The unprecedented coronavirus It was decided that postponement was the
pandemic has played havoc with human best way forward, and was conveyed to the
life across the globe, beyond IOC administration.
anyone’s imagination. Life goes So many countries are in a
on, sans the daily dose of sports. state of lockdown. It is a complex
In such a depressing scen situation. For the Olympics, so
ario, there was no other way much organisation is involved.
than postpone the Tokyo 2020 There are so many stake holders,
Olympics. The International the IOC, the Organising Com
Olympic Committee (IOC) had mittee, the Japanese govern
set a time frame of four weeks to ment, sponsors and
decide on hosting the Olympics, broadcasters.
but decided within two days. Cancellation of the Games
We had a conference call be ABHINAV BINDRA was never on the agenda. Every
fore the decision was taken with body would like to see the
200 athlete representatives from Interna Olympics. Now, when it is held between
tional Federations, National Olympic Com July 23 to August 8, 2021, it will be a celeb
4 APRIL 18, 2020 SPORTSTAR
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Gone with corona: People look out from a highrise viewing area at the newly-built Japan National Stadium,
the main venue for the 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, the day after the historic decision to postpone the
2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. The postponement of the Olympics has dealt a savage blow to Japan’s hotels
and tourism industry already reeling from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. AFP
ration of humanity. In sport, timing is It was the right decision and good for
everything. You need to get the timing everyone. It saved everyone the anxiety
right. caused by uncertainty and suspense.
The fact is, about 40% of the athletes It was a relief for athletes, especially so
have not qualied yet. The qualication as the earlier emphasis was that the Games
events have to be held, and they have to would go on, as planned, on the original
make it as fair as possible. A schedule has to dates. World health is of primary import
be made at a certain point. The IOC has ance, sports is secondary. All the athletes
already started working on them. The bor recognise the situation and appreciate this.
ders have to open, travel has to be revived. The athletes are the most resilient species.
Considering the complexity of the scen They are used to a rejig of plans. The focus
ario, the decision was made quite quickly. has to be to try and stay healthy. Make the
SPORTSTAR APRIL 18, 2020 5
COVER STORY
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Get, reset, go: The countdown clock of the Tokyo Olympic Games was restarted in front of the JR Tokyo
Station on March 31, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan. The Olympic Games will be now be held between July 23 to
August 8 in 2021 while the Paralympic Games will be held between August 24 and September 5, 2021.
GETTY IMAGES
best of what you have, when the world venues have been readied well ahead of
stands still. time. The enthusiasm and zeal of the
It is indeed a huge challenge for Japan. I people to host the Games, as the most suc
have never been to Japan. When they hos cessful ever, is denitely an advantage in
ted the Asian Games in Hiroshima in 1994, I meeting the challenges.
was not in the reckoning at that level. When There is no denying that it is a huge
they staged the Asian Air Gun Champion puzzle with so many dierent missing
ship in Wako City in 2017, I had quit the parts. The world economy scenario will play
sport. I was scheduled to be in Tokyo this an important role. Apart from economy,
April for a lecture, and wanted to look several humongous challenges will be
around a bit for myself, but had to cancel there, owing to uncertainty. The Olympic
the plan. The eciency of the Japanese is Games may have some changes. We don’t
well documented. They have overcome know what is going to happen.
many historic hurdles down the years to The bright point is that everybody is
rmly stay on the road of progress. The positive about the Games. Patience is the
6 APRIL 18, 2020 SPORTSTAR
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Authorspeak: “It was a relief for athletes, especially so as the earlier emphasis was that the Games would go
on, as planned, on the original dates. World health is of primary importance, sports is secondary. All the
athletes recognise the situation and appreciate this. The athletes are the most resilient species. They are
used to a rejig of plans. The focus has to be to try and stay healthy. Make the best of what you have, when
the world stands still,” says Bindra. KAMESH SRINIVASAN
need of the hour. evolve as better human beings.
The situation is dierent for dierent As athletes, we lead a privileged life. We
athletes. Some may be on top of their game have to be grateful for what we have. Appre
and ready to peak. Their good preparation ciate the smaller things in life which we
may look to have been undone by the cur tend to ignore, and take them for granted,
rent scenario. The Indian shooters come in as a matter of right. There is grief and suf
this category as they were on top of their fering, as people have a tough life. This
game. They may have to restart and get it should be a time for introspection and men
right all over again. Those who have been tal growth.
struggling, will heave a sigh of relief. They At the same time, it is important not to
don’t have to reach the Games underpre allow frustration to strike a negative streak
pared. They can make themselves better of thoughts. It is time for athletes, to bond
with the available time. with family and friends. To show solidarity
For the young athletes who are trying to with them in this situation of global crisis.
build their career, it is a chance to learn. It And to stay in a good frame of mind..
prepares them better for life. In times like There is a lot riding on the Olympics.
these, you learn to get out of the sport The scenario has given a longer preparation
centric bubble that you oat around, and time. Enjoy every moment, take all posit
look at life with a wider lens. When you see ives, soak in them, and resist frustration, so
what the world is facing, it helps you to as to be at your best when it matters. •
SPORTSTAR APRIL 18, 2020 7
OLYMPICS POSTPONEMENT REACTIONS
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A RELIEVED LOT
With the Tokyo Olympics now scheduled to be held from July 23 to August
8, 2021, here’s what some athletes, coaches and administrators have to say.
The news is a bit disappointing, but then again, human health is the
priority. I am sure a lot of thinking has gone behind the decisions that
have been taken. Please follow the WHO and government guidelines
and stay at home.
— Pistol shooter Manu Bhaker
People should take this pandemic seriously and follow guidelines. They
should do this voluntarily. Countries in Europe are very small and they
have better medical services but they are facing a huge crisis. Our
country is much bigger with a lot of poor people. If our country reaches
stage 3 (of the pandemic) it may really have a devastating eect. We
should try and contain the disease before that happens. So, each one of
us should be a responsible citizen and try to maintain social distancing.
— Javelin shooter Neeraj Chopra
It’s great to get some clarity about the new starting date for the Tokyo
Olympic Games. This allows us to begin the planning process to be ready
for July next year. In the meantime, we are looking forward to getting
through this current tough period and hope to be back out on the
training eld as soon as possible.
— India men’s hockey team coach Graham Reid
It’s good we have certainty when the Olympics will be held and we can
work towards that. We are all in the same campus and available for each
other in these hard times, a new date for the Olympics is good news for
all of us. But for now, we are living by the day, staying strong mentally
and physically and wait eagerly to get back to our normal routine. We
are prepared to hit the reset button.
— India women’s hockey team coach Sjoerd Marijne
One can understand the uncertainty over this year’s 2020 Tokyo Games
due to the coronavirus pandemic because human lives are much more
precious than anything in sport. The Olympics can wait. When you see
the happenings around you, especially the sad situation in Italy where
thousands of lives have been lost, you feel so emotional. We are staying
positive, hoping that this would go away from this world soon. We are
happy that eorts are being made here to ensure that the deadly virus
does not reach the third stage.
— Olympic trackandeld athlete P. T. Usha
This was every athletes’ worst fear and it has come true. Everybody
knows that competing in the Olympics is the toughest test for an athlete
but I believe waiting for an opportunity to be on that stage is tougher! I
don't really know what to say right now but inside me there is a
rollercoaster of emotions! This is a very crucial time for the world and
the greater sporting fraternity. Though I am very deeply disappointed, it
is important more than ever to see the silver lining in this dark cloud.
— Wrestler Vinesh Phogat
There were eight World cups but now there are only two left, which
were supposed to happen in March but got postponed to June due to
coronavirus outbreak. Given the situation, they perhaps will happen
next year. So it gives me more time to recover and prepare for the two
events. I will give my best to return to form and hopefully I can do well
and qualify. But having said that, what is important right now is that we
defeat this coronavirus, that is the priority.
— Olympian gymnast Dipa Karmakar
In view of the COVID19 pandemic, I wish to donate my one month’s
salary to the PM National Relief Fund. So, please debit an amount of Rs
1,00,000 from my account.
— Sixtime world champion boxer and Rajya Sabha member
M. C. Mary Kom said in a letter to the bank where her salary
account is maintained
First of all, we need to ght coronavirus. The situation in the whole
world is very critical and having Olympics at this time is a big thing and
we don't know how long it (coronavirus) will go. So, if the Olympics are
held after coronavirus is controlled, it will benet all athletes. So safety
is rst and then Olympics.
— Wrestler Bajrang Punia
We didn’t want to have the athletes in a position where they were counter
ing government advice, maybe even breaking the law. And of course, in the
back of their minds was always that concern, it wasn’t just their own
training programme, but that they ran the risk of eectively infecting
themselves, their families, their kids, grandparents or parents, and we just
wanted to take them out of that mental turmoil as quickly as we possibly
could. We’re no dierent from everyone else out there but I think we just
concluded that sport, on this occasion, had to take a back seat.
– World Athletics chief Sebastian Coe
Of course this is a global problem. We must ght it. But what is crucial now
is the safety of my family. That is why we are keeping safe as we see how
things unfold regarding the virus. It has aected everyone around the
world and the only solution is to follow guidelines set by the government.
— Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge
This is the time for people from all countries, backgrounds and races to
rally together to save as many lives as we can. To me, that is the Olympic
spirit. To the people of Japan: stay strong, hang in there, and let's show
the world our beautiful country when the time is right in 2021.
— Twotime tennis Grand Slam singles champion
Naomi Osaka
If the Olympics had been cancelled, as opposed to postponed, that
would’ve broken me as I wouldn’t then have had a chance to do what no one
else in taekwondo has ever done. I’m just grateful the Olympics are still on.
— Jade Jones on getting a chance to become the rst athlete
in her sport to claim three Olympic gold medals
As athletes, we’re so regimented. At this point, all the work is done. We’re
just netuning the small things to get to this point. Now it’s like, ‘Oh …
we’re not competing.’ All these emotions start aring up. I really think
mental health is so important right now. Just control what you can control.
We’re in such uncharted waters. We’re getting all these big questions
thrown at us: What if? What if? What if? It’s so hard to understand. We’re
having a hard time just wrapping our head around it.
— 24time Olympic swimming medallist Michael Phelps
Truly special:
W
orld champion P. V. Sindhu is going
through a dierent kind of experi
ence at home — in selfisolation — on
return from the All England Championships
along with her father P. V. Ramana.
In a chat with Sportstar, the 24yearold
lead shuttler shares her thoughts on the
dreaded coronavirus pandemic and how she
is spending her time at this critical phase.
How were the last few days for you in
the wake of the coronavirus fast
spreading across the world?
I feel sad at what is happening around the
world. These are extremely testing times for
all of us. No doubt, it is very dicult to stay
indoors, especially for athletes like me. But,
again, there are certain things that are not
in our hands but merit utmost caution in
whatever we do. It is going to be tough, but We didn’t experience any tough times the academy and train as everything is shut
we have to mentally prepared for the chal on arrival in London or in Hyderabad. The down now, and it is the right thing to do. I
lenges ahead. usual medical tests were in place thanks to don’t think the break in training will have a
the eorts of the government, which again major bearing when I start playing, for I
Do you have enough hand sanitisers should be appreciated. have been doing physical conditioning ex
and other related gear? ercises to stay t and also bit of wall practice
In fact, when we went to the All England Do you think your family might be fed under the watchful eyes of my father
Championships a few days ago just when the up of you by the end of all this? (former international volleyball player and
dreaded coronavirus was fast spreading and It is denitely not like that, for everyone is Arjuna awardee P. V. Ramana).
there were even serious concerns about conscious of the dangers that are posed by
playing there, we were fully prepared, the virus. So, like any other citizen, we too What do you have to say about the
armed with all these things, for safety and are taking care of ourselves by not moving Olympics?
health are obviously the rst priority. We out. In fact, after coming back from Eng Frankly, right now I am not thinking about
V. V. SUBRAHMANYAM
all BWF events till at least the second week
of April. As far as the All England is con
cerned, it is for the BWF to take a call on the
criticism. I don’t want to get into that.
What videos would you love to see
during this break?
Honestly, there is nothing specic. I spend
my time watching Netix, listening to mu
sic (again, nothing in particular). Yes, when
you go through these kind of moments, you
would love to remember the highs of your
career and for me the 2016 Rio Olympics
silver and the 2019 World Championships
are the moments that I would love to see
again and again whenever time permits.
They are truly special for me.
What are your hobbies and are you able
to enjoy during this break?
Honestly, before this break, there was no
time, literally, at all to think about what I
would like to do in my free time, for the
schedule was so demanding and I had real
diculty in balancing my training, commit
ments and spending time with my family
members. But now, I watch some movies,
again, not the full length, as I tend to switch
on to other things.
Well, news is what I am watching the
most now. I am keen to know what is hap
pening around the world. Of course, I miss
my nephew (elder sister’s 18monthold
son Aaryan) the most, though I make video
calls to him.
Which players or teammates would you
like to be isolated with or hate to be (in
a lighter vein)?
It is dicult to be in isolation. But, by god’s
grace, it is my dad who is with me. It is a
blessing in disguise that he was with me in
London for the All England. I couldn’t ask
for a better person than him. Being a
sportsperson, he knows how to keep my
morale high and obviously spends lot of
Passing time: “I vailing across the globe. It is great to see the time in giving useful tips about improving
watch some organisers show so much concern for the my tness and game, too.
movies...not the full health of everyone. Given the grim scen
length, as I tend to ario, I don’t think any sportsperson was Does sport matter in these times?
switch on to other solely concerned about the Olympics. We I must say it is a dicult phase. We have
things,” says will have to take it as it comes. never faced this kind of experience before.
Sindhu. K. PICHUMANI Apparently, when everything is shut down
Do you justify the hosting of the All for the fear of the virus, you can’t expect
England Championships while many sporting activity to go on. After all, safety of
other events are cancelled by the one and all is the priority of the government
Badminton World Federation (BWF)? and also the responsibility of every
Frankly, I welcome the decision to suspend citizen. •
14 APRIL 18, 2020 SPORTSTAR
LOCKDOWN DIARIES KIDAMBI SRIKANTH
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#WFH: “I am right
now in Guntur.
With the Academy
shut down and all
BWF events
suspended, there is
very little I can do
except trying a few
things to stay fit,”
says Kidambi
Srikanth. AP
2017 and after!
Injuries at crucial times have hamstrung Kidambi Srikanth. The threat of the
Coronavirus is not helping either.
V. V. SUBRAHMANYAM
K
idambi Srikanth must be thinking how thoughts of his journey, how he reached the
true the old adage is — scaling the sum pinnacle and where his career is headed
mit is easier than staying there for now.
long! “Six years before I became No.1, I re
Well, this badminton champion was on member I was ranked World No. 336. Then,
top of the World, ranked No.1, in April the target was to think of being in the top
2018. Things looked really rosy during that 300, then in 250, then 200, and so on before
phase. But then, there was a slump, primar aiming for the top 10,” he recalls.
ily because of injuries. “I travelled to quite a few places after
In an exclusive chat with Sportstar, the having got hooked to badminton seeing my
quiet and easygoing shuttler shares elder brother play in my hometown, Gun
SPORTSTAR APRIL 18, 2020 15
LOCKDOWN DIARIES KIDAMBI SRIKANTH
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Guiding force:
Srikanth with his
coach Pullela
Gopichand in 2017.
“I travelled to quite
a few places after
having got hooked
to badminton
seeing my elder
brother play. Then,
things began
looking dierent
when I nally
settled down at
the Gopichand
Academy in
Hyderabad,” he
traces his route to
stardom.
NAGARA GOPAL
achieved a certain level, he may have and the BWF to wait before straightaway
pushed himself that extra bit to stay there. declaring the next possible dates of the
“I don’t believe it was a poor selection of Olympics. There has to be a periodic, crit
tournaments. It had to do with injuries. ical review of the situation before going
“See the irony now. I am t and raring to ahead with the timeline,” he felt.
go. But this dreaded Coronavirus has put Reecting on his preparations, Srikanth
paid to my dreams of participating in the admitted it will be a dicult phase in the
Tokyo Olympics,” he says. runup to the next schedule of the Games.
Srikanth, even while welcoming the de “For the last 12 months you have been
cision to postpone the Tokyo Olympics, tuning your physical and conditioning pro
scheduled to be held this July/August this gramme according to the original schedule.
year to 2021, owing to the coronavirus Now, you have to reset the goal and plan
threat, feels that the BWF should think of a these programmes accordingly. It is a huge
timeline for the Games only after it starts task and a dierent kind of challenge for
all the tournaments which were cancelled any athlete,” the champion shuttler said.
recently. And, he adds that it has been a harrow
“It is a good decision as it is next to ing experience to be away from the sport.
impossible to host the Games given the During injurybreaks he could at least visit
critical scenario across the world,” Srikanth the stadia and mix with fellow players and
told Sportstar. coaches. That’s not possible now.
“But, again, I personally feel that the “Right now, I am in Guntur with my
BWF should have a serious mindset, once family members and friends. But, I am def
the situation improves and is deemed t for initely doing those minimum exercises to
any sporting activity, about starting the stay t and appeal to all the citizens to
tournaments which were cancelled in the adhere to the guidelines of the Government
wake of the Coronavirus threat,” he said. and stay indoors till the situation im
“I appeal to the Olympics organisers proves,” he concludes. •
SPORTSTAR APRIL 18, 2020 17
LOCKDOWN DIARIES MIRABAI CHANU
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On track:
Mirabai Chanu
improved her
own records in
the snatch,
clean-and-jerk
and total
(203kg) at the
National
Championships
in Kolkata in
February.
RAJEEV BHATT
It’s the same for everyone
“Sometimes it is boring to stay restricted, but no one can help it. After all,
such measures are going to help us fight the coronavirus,” said Mirabai Chanu.
Y. B. SARANGI
F
ormer world champion Mirabai Chanu, tional competitions) — in each of the three
who is adhering to selfisolation owing periods starting from November 1, 2018 to
to the global coronavirus outbreak, is April 30, 2020; six overall; and at least one
not keen on facing the possibility of an gold level and one other gold or silver
other situation like this. level event.
But the Manipuri weightlifter is sure of Points will be awarded for these per
qualifying for her second Olympics. formances and the best results in each of
According to the original IWF qualic the three periods will be considered to as
ation criteria, an athlete has to compete in certain the rankings.
at least one ranking event — such as gold Mirabai has accumulated 3,869.8038
level (world and continental champion qualifying points from ve outings to be
ships), silver level (IWF events, including placed fourth in the women’s 49kg cat
multidiscipline games and champion egory. The top eight lifters in each weight
ships) and bronze level (other interna category will qualify for the Tokyo
18 APRIL 18, 2020 SPORTSTAR
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Training is paramount
The fire in his belly does not let Ravi Dahiya sit quietly. As a junior wrestler,
he has seen hard days and is eager to prove himself at the highest level.
Y. B. SARANGI
F
or Ravi Dahiya, whose life revolves bronze medallist and the Asian champion in
around wrestling, Chhatrasal Stadium men’s 57kg weight class.
in Delhi is home away from home. In Despite the postponement of the Tokyo
fact, Dahiya spends most part of the year in Olympics, Dahiya sounded positive.
the precincts of Chhatrasal and visits his “Nobody knows when the Olympics will
home very rarely — perhaps once in a year, take place. It is not in our hands. God knows
during Diwali. when it will happen and how it will happen.
So, when the Government gave a call for But it will happen for sure. I hope everything
selfisolation at home to ght coronavirus, will be alright. I am just concentrating on
Dahiya — who shifted from his village in my training.
Sonepat district of Haryana to Chhatrasal at The re in his belly does not let Dahiya
the age of 10 — did not have to think twice. sit quietly. As a junior wrestler, he has seen
“I thought, since there was not much hard days and is eager to prove himself at
time in hand, I should focus on my prepara the highest level.
tions. I can go home later on after the “In those days there was no sponsor and
Olympics,” said the World championships I had to fall back on some of my wellwishers
SPORTSTAR APRIL 18, 2020 21
LOCKDOWN DIARIES RAVI DAHIYA
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Hero worship: to recover from my knee injury. It was a 2019 Pro Wrestling League. He continued to
Dahiya is a big fan struggle. I was frustrated due to the uncer raise his game and emerge as the number
of his mentor and tainty (related to my recovery). Good that one wrestler in the country in the competit
two-time Olympic the days of struggle are gone now,” an emo ive 57kg category.
medallist Sushil tional Dahiya had told this reporter some Considering his dedication and im
Kumar. PTI time back. provement, it was only natural that he im
Dahiya, who secured a World under23 pressed one and all with his bronze medal
silver medal in 2018, hogged the limelight winning performance in the World champi
with a series of sterling performances for onships in NurSultan, where he also se
champion side Haryana Hammers in the cured an Olympic quota place, in September
22 APRIL 18, 2020 SPORTSTAR
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Inspiring the lot:
Posting inspiring
one-liners, sharing
his younger child’s
video, sharing
pictures of his
teenage years —
boxer Vijender
Singh is doing
everything to keep
himself occupied.
He hopes that his
fans take cues
from this to stay
busy in the time of
isolation.
SUSHIL KUMAR VERMA
Looking at the positives
Boxer Vijender Singh has been enjoying time with his family. Besides, he
has been taking to the social media to underline the importance of
breaking the social chain in the fight against coronavirus.
Y. B. SARANGI
A
former World and Olympic medal win sometime in May, the super middleweight
ning boxer, Vijender, who has re professional boxer is looking at the posit
mained unbeaten in his 12 ghts since ives of the forced break due to the
he began his professional career in October coronavirus outbreak.
24 APRIL 18, 2020 SPORTSTAR
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Shotput shortcircuited!
UTHRA GANESAN
S
ince the governmentmandated lock been told that all competitions have been This
down of sports centres owing to the pushed back to at least after May 15 for
Coronavirus threat, national campers now.
lockdown is
across sports have been in a state of flux. At It’s not like we feel tied down; we are for our good
the NIS, Patiala, while those inside insist used to being in camps for long periods and only, if there
their lives haven’t really changed in terms our schedule doesn’t allow much social-
of daily schedules, the uncertainty is defin- ising anyway. But this lockdown is for our is any
itely a concern. good only, if there is any infection inside it infection
Shot-putter Tajinder Pal Singh Toor is would be more dangerous. I think this is inside it
among those who admit the clampdown one of the very few centres in operation
was necessary. even in lockdown, otherwise across the would be
world most training centres have been more
What is the situation right now at the shut. Those athletes cannot even train
NIS? anywhere.
dangerous,
Since the national camp and the NIS cam- says star
pus have been sealed right now, we cannot Can you explain how things panned out shot-putter
move anywhere. There is a total lockdown since the virus news rst broke?
of the premises, all competitions have been Honestly speaking, it didn’t look like it
Tajinder Pal
cancelled. I am talking to you after my would become so serious so quickly. Yes Singh.
training session; I was supposed to be there were concerns when it first broke but
throwing at the Indian GP. But we have till it reached India, there was no idea it
SPORTSTAR APRIL 18, 2020 27
LOCKDOWN DIARIES TAJINDER PAL SINGH TOOR
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Doting husband:
“I’m also helping
my wife Puja with
the daily chores,”
says Pujara, seen
cleaning the floor
at his house.
TWITTER@CHESTESHWAR1
Family man: Pujara enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter as he stays indoors in support of the
government’s lockdown call. TWITTER@CHETESHWAR1
E
Pujara, part ven as the Novel Coronavirus continues routine at home with his young daughter.
to cripple major sporting events across “It’s a welcome change for me,” he said. “I
of the the world, with the global number of like spending time with myself, reading a
Saurashtra conrmed cases increasing by the day, India book or watching TV is something I would sanitisers. Pujara, however, cautioned alty in times of distress, Pujara reminded
side that No. 3 Test batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has do when I’m alone. That said, I’ve a young against hoarding. why a discipline, which often oers escap
called on fans to rally round each other. daughter who is so energetic and wants to “We don’t believe in stocking up be ism in the face of adversity, needs to take a
beat Bengal “These are tough times not just for our play all the time, so half my day goes into cause then you are causing unnecessary backseat for now.
in the Ranji nation but the entire world. The only way we taking care of her. I’m also helping my wife trouble to those who desperately require “I feel sport really has the power to bring
can ght this pandemic is by staying in Puja with the daily chores.” those items,” he said. “Only buy what you people together but now is not the time for
Trophy final, doors,” Pujara told Sportstar. The 31yearold, who suered from need. The government will ensure that pro fans to throng stadiums in support of their
is using the “It can be frustrating at times. There will back spasms during the Ranji nal, has re duction of essentials is not impacted in the teams and players,” he said.
downtime to be days when you’ll have to resist the urge to covered and started training again. “I’ve a wake of the pandemic. I’ve heard that in “Yes, you still need to stick together but
go out for a casual stroll, but we have a gym at home where I do all my workouts, so I some places they’ve even started home de with your family in your own homes. In a
enjoy a responsibility to look after our country and haven’t had to venture out to train either,” livery of daytoday necessities like packets crisis such as this, I feel the biggest ght is
relaxed family and the best way to do it is by remain he said. of rice, vegetables, fruits and grains. So going to be the ght to be indoors. For a
routine at ing in selfisolation at home,” he added. The anticipation of periods of home there is no need to panic; it’s time for the sportsman, the ght is out on the eld, for a
Pujara, part of the Saurashtra side that connement has led to panicked shoppers selshness to end. We need to look after soldier, it’s the warfront but this particular
home. beat Bengal in the Ranji Trophy nal, is stripping many grocery stores of staples each other.” battle can only be won by staying
using the downtime to enjoy a relaxed ranging from bread and milk to meat and Although sport itself has become a casu indoors.” •
30 APRIL 18, 2020 SPORTSTAR SPORTSTAR APRIL 18, 2020 31
LOCKDOWN DIARIES ROHAN BOPANNA
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gether with his wife Supriya and 10monthold daughter
I’m seeing Tridha.
“We closed the academy in Bengaluru and sent the
players home till the end of March or till we figure out the
situation,” he said. It is a pleasant experience for
T
hese are dicult times, but Rohan Bopanna has no We managed to change our ticket to India, for the even- constantly being out, travelling. The challenge is to stay entire country. If we have to make the World Group, we
complaints. He is at his coee estate in Coorg, ing. We spent time at the airport, using the swimming positive and find ways to keep well. Years of experience have to win the singles matches. I talked to the team after
huddled with family. pool and the gym, on a pay-and-use basis. We spent has taught me that it is not only the athlete who is facing the tie in the locker room. (Marin) Cilic under pressure of
“We are tackling things on a daytoday basis. It is nearly 18 hours at the airport. My wife and daughter were the situation; it is for everyone,” he said. being 01 and Ramkumar (Ramanathan) playing the best
not easy to ask the plantation workers to stop. We take supposed to join me in Doha for the US trip. But we had Such an appreciative outlook on the positives of life match I had ever seen would have given such a dierent
precautions. One day we had only the men working. We cancelled the plan because the coronavirus situation had in a dicult situation may not be easy for young athletes tone to the tie.
make sure that they don’t stand close to each other. We started getting serious. We didn’t want to expose the who may be “focused so much on building a career,” he “We have to look at Leander Paes, how he breathes
are creating awareness. They wash their hands before kid,” recalled Bopanna, who was obviously thrilled to said. But Bopanna is amazed and amused by the number fire when he plays the Davis Cup. I have been playing the
they go home. It is a challenge for everybody. No matter spend time with his family in the serene atmosphere of of solutions oered to counter the coronavirus Davis Cup for 18 years. Playing for the country is so
who you are, it is not easy,” said the former world No. 3 Coorg. pandemic. dierent. Sumit (Nagal) could have played better against
doubles tennis player. It was a 16-hour flight to the US that he skipped, and “On social media, everyone is a doctor! It is very Cilic. Prajnesh could have fought even better when he
Bopanna, who had helped India win the doubles rub he felt that had he boarded, he may have been tempted to dicult to decide what to believe and what not to believe. was 24 down in the third set. We are there, (but) still we
ber with Leander Paes against Croatia in Zagreb in losing stay back in the US, looking for other events. It was a I tell my dad, ‘Don’t believe every forwarded message,’” are not there,” Bopanna pointed out.
cause in the Davis Cup in March, feels that he was lucky blessing in disguise as the situation forced Bopanna to he said. The last time India figured in the Davis Cup World
to be in Coorg instead of the US. eventually have a good time with his family. Understandably proud to have fought hard and won Group was when Somdev Devvarman and Bopanna
“During the Davis Cup, everything was fine. After the “Even in normal days, there are very few people here the doubles rubber with Paes “playing his last Davis Cup “played unbelievable” to win the reverse singles against
tie I was in Doha, waiting overnight for the flight to Los in Coorg. It is so peaceful to be with nature. So dierent tie,” Bopanna said India had to win the first singles Brazil in Chennai in 2010 after the team was 0-2 down on
Angeles. Sumit Nagal and Prajnesh Gunneswaran trav- from staying in apartments. We have lots of option for rubber against Borna Gojo to stand a chance of winning the opening day.
elled through Europe to the US. Since doubles was Friday, walking, jogging. There is one shop where we get our the tie. Bopanna had played two singles then, while Leander
I had booked through Doha. I had the option of a hotel in stu. It opens from 12 noon to 2pm. Only one person “In doubles, we missed match points in the second Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi had anchored the revival with
Doha, but stayed at the airport. Physio Gaurang Shukla goes, as it is easy for the shop to keep a record,” said set. We came back from being a break down in the third to the doubles win.
had also joined me to be on the same flight. About an Bopanna. win. After being down 0-2 in the tie, it was special. The For the moment, Bopanna is happy to push tennis
hour and a half before the morning flight, we got the It is happy family time for the tennis star, as his quality of the match was very good. What made the aside and focus on the simple things of life and play with
news that Indian Wells tournament had been cancelled. parents, sister, brotherinlaw and niece are there to dierence was that we had trained the whole week. You his daughter. •
32 APRIL 18, 2020 SPORTSTAR SPORTSTAR APRIL 18, 2020 33
LOCKDOWN DIARIES APURVI CHANDELA
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Stay safe: Grasping
the gravity of the
situation, Apurvi
Chandela and
family are quite
practical, back
home, in Jaipur.
KAMESH SRINIVASAN
A
round this time last year, Apurvi Chan- Apurvi is quite serene at home in Jaipur,
dela was busy competing in World when the world grapples with the
Cups. After a phenomenal season, coronavirus.
when she won two individual gold medals in “I drove back to Jaipur, with my brother,
women’s air rifle, an accomplishment in the to avoid taking any flights. Since Jaipur is
event after Anjali Bhagwat’s gold in a World only four hours away from Delhi, it wasn’t
Cup, way back in 2003, the 27-year-old that dicult,” recalled Apurvi.
34 APRIL 18, 2020 SPORTSTAR
BLAST FROM THE PAST
INDIA'S 2011 WORLD CUP TRIUMPH 5
4
3
2
1
APRIL 18, 2020 PAGES 35 TO 42
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The leading Indian shooters were having camp and the trials. My mother didn’t ac Making up the
an Olympic selection trials after the post- company me this time. I would wash my mind: “I plan on
ponement of the World Cup, in Delhi. hands every few minutes or sanitise them. I training well and
Apurvi was occupied with the training stayed at home post shooting to avoid com continue doing the
camp, followed by the trials, when the ing into contact with anyone,” said Apurvi. exercises. It is
coronavirus crisis was gathering Grasping the gravity of the situation, important to keep
momentum. Apurvi and family are quite practical, back ourselves occupied
“We were all faced with the uncertain home, in Jaipur. with some work, so
situation during the training camp, as the “My whole day is absolutely packed. I that we remain
rst few cases of coronavirus in the country have a shooting range at home. So, I wake up healthy, not only
were detected. We were preparing for the early and shoot. We have asked all the house physically but
World Cup in Delhi. The decision to post help to say at their homes for their and our mentally as well,”
pone the World Cup was necessary for the safety. I help my parents with all the house says Apurvi. AP
safety of all the shooters, whether in India hold work. We have divided the duties
or from foreign countries, who would have between my father, mother and me. My
had to travel in the given circumstances. It mom takes care of the cooking. I do all the
was also good that the national federation cleaning of the house. My father helps my
took the decision of holding the trials in mother in the kitchen. He also looks after
stead of the World Cup, as it was the last our dogs in terms of feeding them and
match to be considered for the Olympic bathing them. In the afternoon, I spend
Games selection,” said Apurvi, as she time reading. During the evening, I do my
summed up the scenario, in a dispassionate exercises and yoga,” said Apurvi, quite non
way. The shooters were cautious, and so was chalant about having to execute mundane
Apurvi. work on a regular basis.
“I stayed at my uncle’s place, during the In fact, Apurvi is proud to utilise the
SPORTSTAR APRIL 18, 2020 43
LOCKDOWN DIARIES APURVI CHANDELA
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Top guns: Apurvi, time constructively, and faithfully follows have such fast paced lives that now we have
who won the gold the call of the nation to stay at home. time to reflect upon where we are headed! I
medal (centre) in “I think it is a great initiative by our will be using this time to work on myself,
the women’s 10m honourable Prime Minister. At this time, it and also spend quality time with my fam-
air rie event, with is absolutely necessary for each and every ily,” she said.
Chinese Zhao one of us to stay at home and stay safe. On The precautions are well maintained.
Ruozhu (left, March 22 at 5 p.m., I went on the terrace “I am staying at home and not going out
silver) and Xu with my parents. It was a feeling of pride to anywhere. I am washing my hands regu-
Hong, the bronze see the unity of the whole country. We larly, taking care of myself and staying fit,”
medal winner, in needed to thank the medical fraternity who Apurvi stressed.
the shooting World have been working tirelessly for our safety The magnitude of the situation is not
Cup at the Dr. and well being,” she said. lost on Apurvi.
Karni Singh Range, The Olympics has been postponed to “Looking at the current situation, since
Tughlakabad in next year. That may be a disappointment for we are all under lockdown, I am sure there
New Dellhi in the athletes who were keyed to peak for are athletes whose training must be getting
February 2019. competition in Tokyo. But, Apurvi views the hampered, especially those who are in out-
KAMESH SRINIVASAN big picture with equanimity and under- door sports. And the situation around the
stands the need of the hour. world, particularly in Europe and America,
“I plan on training well and continue that are seeing a rise in the number of
doing the exercises. It is important to keep people being infected, I sincerely hope it
ourselves occupied with some work, so that settles down as soon as possible. We need to
we remain healthy, not only physically but prepare for any kind of scenario and be
mentally as well. It is good to see that the ready to accept any situation we are faced
earth has also got some time to heal. We all with,” Apurvi signed o. •
44 APRIL 18, 2020 SPORTSTAR
LOCKDOWN DIARIES SHARATH KAMAL
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Helpless: “When
you are at home
24x7 in urban
India, training goes
for a toss,” says
Sharath Kamal.
K. PICHUMANI
It seems as if life has come to a standstill
“The good thing is you are with your family all the time but on the ip side you
just cannot do anything that either you or the kids want. These are dicult
times,” says the paddler.
AMOL KARHADKAR
Y
ou are 38, hoping to have one last shot have been an Olympics qualier event in
at glory by rst qualifying for what April. Until, of course, the time stood still,
would be your fourth Olympics and with the COVID19 pandemic pushing most
then hoping for pulling o a miracle in of the world — and all of India — indoors.
Tokyo. You are getting into the groove, hav The veteran paddler spells out the di
ing put aside the disappointment of not culties in dealing with the unanticipated
qualifying for the rst team championship challenge the epidemic has thrown, on and
in Olympics, and having won your rst ITTF o the table.
Pro Tour title in 10 years in Oman a week
earlier. How are you, macha?
A. Sharath Kamal couldn’t have asked I am just putting on weight. Can’t do much.
for a better buildup ahead of what would The kids are driving us crazy. And there’s
SPORTSTAR APRIL 18, 2020 45
LOCKDOWN DIARIES SHARATH KAMAL
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Can you plan anything now that the
Olympics has been postponed?
Olympics was bound to be postponed be
cause the Olympic movement just cannot
observe social distancing. One of the hall
marks of Olympics is tens of thousands of
athletes across the world eat together and
mingle with each other. Now that main ob
jective for the year has been deferred, which
is good in the given circumstances. But
there’s nothing in sight right now to set
your eyes on. Earlier they had suspended
Home, sweet home: uncertainty about the outside world. What are with them all the time but on the ip side the ITTF circuit till April end but now they
Sharath Kamal else can happen these days, you tell me you just cannot do anything that either you have announced that the China Open and
with his daughter (laughs). or the kids want. These are dicult times. the Hong Kong Open — the two big events
and son. “There’s scheduled in May — have been cancelled, so light sport or take the kids out for a swim but In the limelight:
so much How much did the COVID19 threat Does anything come close to this that’s also gone. It was expected, but now all that’s just impossible for the time being. Sharath Kamal
uncertainty and we linger over the Oman Open, experience? that it’s formal and there’s no need for an receives the
just don’t know incidentally the last big event in ITTF Nothing, yaar. Don’t think anyone of us Olympics qualier event which may have What have you been doing for the last Padma Shri Award
when normalcy that also turned out to be your rst would have even thought about what’s hap been slotted end of May, I doubt if we’ll play couple of weeks? from President
would be restored. international title after a decade? pening right now. Yes, I was immobile for a tournament until August. UTT (Ultimate Absolutely nothing. Just eating. Putting on Ram Nath Kovind
Till then, it’s just It was a huge factor right through the week. almost six months following my (ham Table Tennis, franchisebased league in In weight. You know I have a tendency to put at the Rashtrapati
about spending All of us players were skeptical about the string) injury and the rehab (2015) but that dia which was earlier scheduled to start on weight. For the time being, I have given Bhawan, in New
time with the disease being transmitted but somehow we was dierent. Despite being unable to do right after the Olympics in August) was sup myself the next two weeks to do what I want Delhi in 2019. “It’s
family and saw through the week unscathed. My family anything back then, I had something to look posed to be the last tournament of a hectic and then gure out the next course of ac very dicult
enjoying it as much was dead against me travelling to Oman for forward to. I had a goal to get back on my season, and now it could well begin the next tion. Probably, the world would have also especially to keep
as you can.” the tournament. They said there’s no need feet and go through the daily chores, and cycle. gured a way out by then. yourself motivated,
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT to take such a big risk. It took me real long to eventually get back on to the table. Right in the present
convince them that I have been training so now, it seems as if life has come to a stand So how are you coping with this You haven’t had a hit on the table since circumstances,”
hard for this one — and more importantly still. There’s so much uncertainty and we situation? your return from Oman? says Sharath
for the Olympics qualiers which were then just don’t know when normalcy would be It’s very dicult yaar, especially to keep No. I don’t have a table at home. My parents’ Kamal of the
scheduled early April — I had to request restored. Till then, it’s just about spending yourself motivated. To begin with, I don’t home (where his younger brother Rajat also lockdown due to
them to let me go. Luckily I won the title. time with the family and enjoying it as much know when am I going to play a tournament resides) has a table, so only today did I the coronavirus
Had I not, I am not sure if they would have as you can. next. So, to keep myself motivated is the jokingly tell my daughter ‘let me go over pandemic.
opened the door for me on my return. hardest part. there and have a hit’ and she said: “no way, SANDEEP SAXENA
Saying goodbye:
Leander Paes was
honoured at the
Tata Open
Maharashtra in
Pune in February.
The tennis legend
has announced this
will be his farwell
year in the sport.
R. RAGU
It is important for us to innovate
“It’s also very important to watch one’s diet. Because when idleness comes
around, the natural human instinct is to eat a lot,” says tennis ace Leander Paes.
SHAYAN ACHARYA
F
or the last three decades, Leander Paes “It’s an interesting time,” Paes said with
has been following a strict routine — a smile, as he spoke about life in the times of
start the day early, hit the gym, train the coronavirus.
hard and get ready for a game. That’s how
life has been for the Indian tennis ace. At a time when stepping out of home is
For Paes, travelling 35-40 weeks a year is not an option, how are you keeping
also part of the game. yourself engaged?
But as the world has come to a standstill It’s an interesting time because we all are
because of the coronavirus pandemic, Paes trying to be innovative in occupying our
is spending his time dierently. At his time. For me, work involves 3540 weeks of
Mumbai residence, the 46yearold is busy travelling. So, this has given me a great
training his daughter Aiyana and sharing opportunity to spend time with my loved
some good times with his parents. ones — my parents, my daughter. This is the
48 APRIL 18, 2020 SPORTSTAR
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What’s the training regime that you are
following these days?
That’s the hardest bit. My whole job has
come to a standstill. A lot of people like me
are not being able to focus on their profes-
sion and, hence, are losing earnings, train-
ing... In these times, one needs to be
innovative in terms of training and be very
patient. As far as training goes, I am doing a
lot of home training, keeping up with my
cardio work on my static cycle at home. I
have one of those racing bikes which is put
on a stand. I use that. I am doing back exer-
cises, slow routines. I use rubber bands as
weight, so I use innovative methods in the
house.
I'm very lucky to have vast experience
over the years of travelling to dierent ho
tels and travelling to dierent cities and
dierent countries every single week, so I
have had to adapt accordingly. So, this is
just one such way of testing how one can
adapt to another new situation.
You were travelling when the pandemic
broke out. How challenging was it to
return home and ensure that the
training process wasn’t aected?
Since the beginning of the year, as the Aus
tralian Open and the Davis Cup finished,
everything has come to a standstill. Indian
Wells (BNP Paribas Open) has come to a
standstill. That tournament has lost a hun-
dred million-plus dollars in revenue. Miami
(Open) has come to a standstill likewise.
Now, the French Open is postponed. The
whole clay court season is lost, so Monte
With loved ones:
Carlo, Rome, Madrid are cancelled. We have the best way to stay healthy and to stay safe
Paes with his
to find a way to just be patient, and the call is to stay at home.
daughter Aiyana.
of the day now is to do the best by our
“This is the time
community by staying at home. Especially This is your farewell year in
to have meals
in India, it is very, very important that we do professional tennis. So, how much has
with them (his
not let this pandemic grow fast. Because of this pandemic aected your training
family), interact
our population, already the medical fratern- schedule and plans?
with them and
ity is getting stretched in not just contain- This was a farewell year for me. There’s a lot
also show Aiyana
ing the virus, but also in testing. of re-evaluation to be done. So, my team is
how to do home
You test someone today and two days also on that. My father is very happy be-
training,” he said.
later you have to retest them. So, how is it cause he felt in the beginning that I should
PTI
possible to sustain medically? It is our im- not be retiring this year. So he’s really happy
perative that we as a community realise that that now the pre-season has been extended.
SPORTSTAR APRIL 18, 2020 49
LOCKDOWN DIARIES LEANDER PAES
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Second thoughts? He is obviously trying to encourage me to and be disciplined about it. Wash your
My father is very continue playing by saying that, “If you hands, make sure hygiene is utmost. Make
happy because he have this sort of skill set and that you have sure you have social distancing. Make sure
felt in the results already this year, you should con- that we keep our elderly and our young safe,
beginning that I tinue. You are playing at the top of the that we don’t subject them to any infection.
should not be game.” I think that it is very important that it starts
retiring this year,” Now, that being said, I think it is very at home.
said Paes. R. RAGU important for us as a human race always to Any message for the fans across the
realign ourselves with what life throws at country?
us. Apart from being responsible, apart
During hard times like these, what from social distancing, it is also important
are the factors that you keep in mind for us to innovate. It’s also very important
while training? to watch one’s diet. Because when idleness
I think everyone is aected dierently. comes around, the natural human instinct is
It is tough to generalise. The the call of the to eat a lot. And without having that activity
day is to basically be responsible. The call of of either walking up and down steps, of
the day is to have patience and abide by the exercising which keeps us fit, it is very im-
government and WHO’s (World Health Or portant to watch how much quantities of
ganization) regulations. Those governing food and drink we intake. As Indians, we
bodies know the actual numbers, they know love food. We love as a community to come
the way this pandemic can are up. I think together and eat. It is important to practice
it’s very important to follow the guidelines social distancing and watch our diet. •
50 APRIL 18, 2020 SPORTSTAR
LOCKDOWN DIARIES P. R. SREEJESH
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Personal responsibility most important
“You have to ensure to not just stay safe yourself, but also take responsibility
for not infecting anyone else,” says India hockey goalkeeper P. R. Sreejesh.
UTHRA GANESAN
T
he COVID-19 pandemic has shut down the camp? Personal message:
world sports, but it has had an unexpec- Here it is all normal; there is nothing excep- “Anyone who is in
ted fallout — spare time for elite tional. The Sports Authority of India Centre public or forced to
sportspersons to catch up on things that (in Bengaluru) is in total shut down for meet people, try
they normally struggle to do. everyone except us — the hockey teams and and stay home as
For P. R. Sreejesh, it is the ideal time to a couple of elite athletes who have either much as possible,
clear his backlog of unread books — the man qualied for the Olympics or trying to. Even don’t mingle much
is a self-confessed bibliophile who devours among the centre sta, the strength has with people, use
biographies whenever possible. Right now, been reduced to less than half. Only those sanitisers and
the centre of attention for the Indian hockey who are actually staying inside are being masks whenever
team goalkeeper and former captain, at the allowed; all other contract sta have been you go out, always
Sports Authority of India Centre in stopped from coming. I would say right now wash your hands if
Bengaluru, happens to be The Story of my we are being provided the best possible fa you touch
Life by Helen Keller. cilities in the country. something,” said
In an interview, Sreejesh says that if he P. R. Sreejesh.
had to be quarantined with anyone it would Can you explain how the events have SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
be his family. “We are away from them for so panned out since the pandemic rst
long through the year that if I am ever isol- broke out?
ated and have nowhere to go, I would want See, for us, there has not been much change
my family with me,” he says. before and after. Since we were already in
camp when it actually broke out seriously
How is the entire situation right now in and have been here since then, the routine
SPORTSTAR APRIL 18, 2020 51
LOCKDOWN DIARIES P. R. SREEJESH
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Reading list: The
centre of attention
for P. R. Sreejesh
happens to be The
Story of my Life by
Helen Keller.
“Some of the ones
I have finished
include Carry on,
Warrior by
Glennon Doyle
Melton, The 7
Habits of Highly
Eective People by
Stephen Covey and
Homo Deus: A
Brief History of
Tomorrow by
Yuval Noah Harari,”
he said.
Isolation or
staying away
from family per
se is not a very
dierent thing;
we have been
if I am ever isolated and have nowhere to go, doing it for
I would want my family with me. Nothing years. But in
our training schedules, loads, methods and would be better than being with them 24x7, the present
routines... spending time with my kids. I don’t think I
will ever get bored with that!
situation, we
What do you do in your spare time now know we are
since you can’t go out anywhere? Does sport matter in these times? safe inside, but
Actually, there is no additional spare time, Yes, it does, but not more than human life. there is
unlike for others! Since our training has con- Unless you are alive and healthy, sports will
tinued as usual and the camp is nonstop, matter little. If there has to be a choice concern for
there has been little change to our sched- made, your health and family should come families
ules. But, yes, on weekends there is some first. Nothing is worth more than that, not outside. When
extra time on hands. Earlier we would go out even sports for a professional athlete.
we think of
for coee or simply walk around the city, but
now I am using this time to catch up on What’s your message to the fans? them and the
books. I have a huge collection and a backlog There is only one way to avoid getting the eects the
that I normally read on tours and during virus and stop its spread — personal hygiene coronavirus has
travel, but now I am doing it in camp itself. and social distancing. Distance in life is very
Some of the ones I have finished include important. Anyone who is in public or forced
had across the
Carry on, Warrior by Glennon Doyle Melton, to meet people, try and stay home as much world, specially
The 7 Habits of Highly Eective People by as possible, don’t mingle much with people, its impact on
Stephen Covey and Homo Deus: A Brief His use sanitisers and masks whenever you go kids and older
tory of Tomorrow by Yuval Noah Harari. I out, always wash your hands if you touch
have managed over a dozen this year so far! something. Taking a bath every day, even people, it is a
Then there are movies online and we have twice a day, when you come back home. That concern.
also started playing volleyball occasionally would be great!
to break the monotony and routine. The most important thing is to under-
stand personal responsibility. If you think
If you had to be isolated or quarantined you are safe, you wouldn’t be aected and
with one person, who would that be? that it happens to others, you are wrong. No
My family, no questions about it! You also one is superhuman in this world, none of us
know how much time we get to spend with is exceptional. You have to ensure to not just
family and kids and parents. We are away stay safe yourself, but also take responsibil
from them for so long through the year that ity for not infecting anyone else. •
SPORTSTAR APRIL 18, 2020 53
LOCKDOWN DIARIES MITHALI RAJ
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A time to take stock!
Mithali Raj admits that it is a very dicult phase for any athlete to be in,
especially when it is time to prepare for the season ahead.
V. V. SUBRAHMANYAM
I
t is a ‘forced break’ for many champion Confession: Mithali some of her fabulous feats what with the
athletes across the world and more so for Raj admits that it is dreaded Coronavirus forcing her stay put
someone like the best-ever women’s a very dicult indoors now.
cricketer from India, Mithali Raj. phase for any “In a way, it is a blessing in disguise as I
And, the 37-year-old Mithali, at home athlete to be in, can aord to do things which I haven’t for
for more than a week for the rst time in an especially when it years like cleaning up my room and ‘discov
illustrious career spanning a stunning 21 is time to prepare ering’ many souvenirs about which I had
years, is now digging deep into her treasure for the season almost forgotten,” says Mithali in an ex
trove… of mementoes, trophies and India ahead. clusive chat with Sportstar.
jerseys which are rekindling memories of V. V. SUBRAHMANYAM “Yes, denitely spending time with my
54 APRIL 18, 2020 SPORTSTAR
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All in the mind: “I
can maintain my
composure under
any stress and not
allow anxiety to
influence my
behaviour,” says
Shikhar Dhawan.
PTI
We will learn to be better human beings
Confined to his home, Shikhar Dhawan has found ways to remain active and
focussed. Other than his regular exercises, he has made rapid progress in
his new love — playing the flute.
VIJAY LOKAPALLY
S
pirituality is the driving force behind against Australia in Mohali in 2013. He lost
Shikhar Dhawan being able to stand up his Test spot in 2018 after the tour to Eng-
to the challenges. His personality has land but it has not dampened his resolve to
seen a transformation from the time he keep doing what he knows best — play
regained his place in the Indian team, espe- cricket with a positive mind.
cially the sensational century on debut The lockdown in the country has helped
SPORTSTAR APRIL 18, 2020 57
LOCKDOWN DIARIES SHIKHAR DHAWAN
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Making a point:
“Sports will be
badly hit because
of the impact on
the economy,” says
Grandmaster
P. Harikrishna.
RAJEEV BHATT
Sport is not important at this
critical juncture
“Already, I came to know that many sponsors of not just chess alone but other
disciplines too, have suered huge losses,” said Indian Grandmaster P. Harikrishna.
V. V. SUBRAHMANYAM
G
randmaster (GM) P. Harikrishna feels sporting events.
that the lockdown and emergencies “Already, I came to know that many
across the world may not mean much to sponsors of not just chess alone but other
chess players for they normally prefer isola- disciplines too, have suered huge losses.
tion to train. With this lockdown, it is not sure how many
But he asserts once the situation im- of them can recover and how quickly. Sports
proves, it might take a lot of time for the will be badly hit because of the impact on
sponsors to regroup and come back to host the economy,” says 33yearold
60 APRIL 18, 2020 SPORTSTAR
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Harikrishna in an exclusive chat with sponsibility was to ensure the virus didn’t Second home:
Sportstar from Prague (Czech Republic), spread. Harikrishna with
where he has been staying since 2018 after But, the Candidates Matches also his wife and former
getting married to Nadezda Stojanovic, the presented the Hyderabadi a rsttime ex Serbian chess
Serbian chess prodigy. perience of commentating for a website. player Nadezda
“Yes, we have to be optimistic about a “In the last World Championship I did Stojanovic. Hari,
dramatic improvement across the globe. comment but it was more of a summary of who is currently in
But, again, not that easy given the the day’s play. Here, I had to pick the game Prague, says he is
Coronavirus had hit the world economy so of the day and make an indepth analysis. constantly in touch
badly,” feels India’s third highest-rated Honestly, I enjoyed it thoroughly,” the with his friends
player after Viswanathan Anand (2753) and World No. 27 said. and family
Vidit Gujrathi (2726). “I am in touch with my game thanks to members.
The soft-spoken former World junior the technology available and my wife’s V. V. SUBRAHMANYAM
champion also felt it was strange that the company. But, frankly this is is not the time
Candidates Chess tournament matches in to think of any tournaments. Sport is not
Russia happened to be one of the very few important at this critical juncture when the
sporting events going on in the world, whole world is battling the dreaded virus. I
though it had to be cancelled subsequently am sincerely praying that everything will be
mid-way after seven rounds. okay soon,” Hari said from Prague, what is
“In the rst instance, I felt they should now his ‘second home’.
not have started it. It is not that we expect “Fortunately, with the authorities de
something worse will happen. But, the hints claring National Emergency in Prague on
were coming from across the world. Per March 15, the situation is not as bad it is in
haps, the gravity was misunderstood,” he other countries. We are still going out for a
reasoned. walk but those who move without masks are
“The fact is there were two Chinese ned,” he added.
players in the Candidates Matches and their Reecting on what he missed the most,
families too would have been seriously wor Hari, who has an ELO rating of 2719, says he
ried about the developing situation. Well, if is constantly in touch with his friends and
someone says that when the players didn’t family members across the world. “I interact
have a problem, what is there to debate, with my parents daily and I am glad that the
then I have nothing to comment.” situation is not bad in India,” he signed
Harikrishna thinks that the minimum re o. •
SPORTSTAR APRIL 18, 2020 61
STATSMAN NUMBER CRUNCHING / MOHANDAS MENON
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Highs and lows of Ranji Trophy 201920 Biggest victories
By wickets: 10 wickets (on 7 occasions by 7
sides)
By runs: 464 runs, Gujarat beat Goa at
112.97 by Abdul Samad for Jammu and
Kashmir – 592 runs in 524 balls in 17 innings
110.93 by K. Gowtham for Karnataka – 284
runs in 256 balls in 9 innings
T
he 86th edition of the Ranji Trophy tour- Valsad Most fours
nament, India’s premier rstclass By innings: Innings and 425 runs, 174 by Rahul Dalal for Arunachal Pradesh in
cricket tournament, took place from Meghalaya beat Mizoram at Kolkata VAG 9 matches and 17 innings
December 9, 2019, to March 13, 2020. This Narrowest victories 138 fours by Punit Bisht for Meghalaya in 9
edition saw a record 38 teams participating By wickets: 1 wicket (3 occasions by 3 matches and 15 innings
and in all a total of 169 matches were played. sides) 127 fours by Taruwar Kohli for Mizoram in 9
Chandigarh competed in the Ranji Trophy By runs: 21 runs, Kerala beat Punjab at matches and 16 innings
for the rst time. This season, we saw a new Thumba Most sixes
Ranji Trophy champion in Saurashtra, Most extras conceded 36 sixes by Abdul Samad for Jammu and
which became the 19th team to win the 73 by Madhya Pradesh v Karnataka at Kashmir in 10 matches and 17 innings
competition since the rst edition in the Shimoga 26 sixes by Sanjay Yadav for Meghalaya in 9
193435 season. It should, however, be matches in 14 innings
noted that two others sides from the same Total individual 100s 24 sixes by Ankit Kaushik for Chandigarh in
area as Saurashtra had won the Ranji title 215 (includes 3 scores of 300plus and 25 9 matches in 8 innings
before independence — Nawanagar (in scores between 200 and 299) Most individual 100s
193637) and Western India States (in 1943 Highest individual scores 4 by Harpreet Singh for Chhattisgarh in 8
44). Meanwhile, it was heartburn for the 307* by Taruwar Kohli for Mizoram v Ar matches and 11 innings
Bengal side. Although it has managed to win unachal Pradesh at Puducherry 4 by Paras Dogra for Puducherry in 9
the tournament twice before in 193839 and 303* by Manoj Tiwary for Bengal v Hydera matches and 13 innings
198990, it has now nished runnerup for a bad at Kalyani 4 by Amit Verma for Goa in 10 matches and
record 12th time — the most by an Indian 301* by Sarfaraz Khan for Mumbai v Uttar in 14 innings
domestic side. Vidarbha, the champion for Pradesh at Mumbai WS 4 by Mohd Rahmatullah for Bihar in 9
the last two years, and 41time winner 267* by Rahul Dalal for Arunachal Pradesh v matches and 15 innings
Mumbai disappointed as they failed to reach Nagaland at Dimapur 4 by KB Pawan for Mizoram in 9 matches
the last eight. 254* by Sanjay Yadav for Meghalaya v and 16 innings
A look at the highs and lows in the com Mizoram at Kolkata VAG 4 by Arpit Vasavada for Saurashtra in 10
petition this season. 250 by Punit Bisht for Meghalaya v Ar matches and 16 innings
Winner: Saurashtra (maiden title) unachal Pradesh at Dibrugarh 4 by Rahul Dalal for Arunachal Pradesh in 9
Runnerup: Bengal (12th loss in a nal) 100s in each innings matches and 17 innings
Seminalists: Gujarat, Karnataka 178 & 205* by Rahul Dalal for Arunachal Most 50plus scores
Quarternalists: Odisha, Andhra, Goa, Pradesh v Mizoram at Puducherry 9 by Rahul Dalal for Arunachal Pradesh in 9
Jammu and Kashmir 140 & 113* by Mohd Rahamatullah for Bi matches and 17 innings
har v Arunachal Pradesh at Patna 8 by Amit Verma for Goa in 10 matches and
Highest totals Highest run aggregate in 14 innings
688/7 declared by Mumbai v Uttar Pradesh 1,340 runs by Rahul Dalal for Arunachal 8 by Punit Bisht for Meghalaya in 9 matches
at Mumbai (Wankhede Stadium) Pradesh in 9 matches and 17 innings and 15 innings
672/8 declared by Chandigarh v Manipur at 998 runs by Taruwar Kohli for Mizoram in 9 8 by Taruwar Kohli for Mizoram in 9
Kolkata VAG matches and 16 innings matches and 16 innings
662/4 declared by Meghalaya v Mizoram at 976 runs by Puneet Bisht for Meghalaya in 9 Most 50s (5099 runs)
Kolkata VAG matches and 15 innings 7 by Devdutt Padikkal for Karnataka in 10
Highest match aggregates 967 runs by Paras Dogra for Puducherry in 9 matches and 19 innings
1,405 runs for 28 wickets between Ar matches and 13 innings 6 by Venkatesh Iyer for Madhya Pradesh in 7
unachal Pradesh and Nagaland at Dimapur 928 runs by Sarfaraz Khan for Mumbai in 6 matches and 11 innings
1,380 runs for 24 wickets between Ar matches and 9 innings 6 by Shams Mulani for Mumbai in 8 matches
unachal Pradesh and Mizoram at Highest batting average and 11 innings
Puducherry 154.66 by Sarfaraz Khan for Mumbai – 928 6 by Punit Bisht for Meghalaya in 9 matches
1,371 runs for 33 wickets between Baroda runs in 9 innings with 3 not outs and 15 innings
and Mumbai at Vadodara 99.60 by Bipul Sharma for Chandigarh – 498 Most ducks
Lowest totals runs in 7 innings with 2 not outs 7 by Bobby Zothansanga for Mizoram in 9
27/10 by Manipur v Meghalaya at 96.60 by Uday Kaul for Chandigarh – 483 matches and 15 innings
Mangoldoi runs in 9 innings with 4 not outs 6 by Lalbiakvela L Guite for Mizoram in 9
44/10 by Maharashtra v Services at Palam, Highest batting strike rates matches and 15 innings
Delhi 164.74 by Suryakant Pradhan for Odisha – 6 by Bishworjit Singh for Manipur in 9
49/10 by Tripura v Haryana at Lahli, Rohtak 257 runs in 156 balls in 13 innings matches and 17 innings
62 APRIL 18, 2020 SPORTSTAR SPORTSTAR APRIL 18, 2020 63
STATSMAN NUMBER CRUNCHING / MOHANDAS MENON
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9/52 by Sanjay Yadav for Meghalaya v Naga- Siddarth Kaul (5/24) for Punjab Andhra at Jayadev Unadkat...
land at Dimapur Patiala most wickets — 67,
8/22 by Rex R. Singh for Manipur v Mizoram Note: Ravi Yadav took a hat-trick in his in 10 matches and
at Kolkata VAG every first over on debut. 16 innings for
8/31 by Sanjay Yadav for Meghalaya v Pu- ------------------------------------- Saurashtra.
ducherry at Mangaldoi Best allround performance SUDHAKARA JAIN
8/56 by Lalbiakvela L. Guite for Mizoram v 241* and 5/60 by Ajay Mandal for Chhattis-
Sikkim at Bhubaneswar (KIIT) garh v Uttarakhand at Raipur
8/60 by K. Gowtham for Karnataka v Tamil 113, 55 and 6/52 by Taruwar Kohli for
Nadu at Dindigul Mizoram v Sikkim at Bhubaneshwar (KIITG)
Total 10wicket match hauls Best all-round performance in the same
33 (includes one 14-wicket haul, two 13- innings
wicket hauls, four 12-wicket hauls, eight 122* & 6/71 by Amit Verma for Goa v Ar-
11-wicket hauls, 18 10-wicket hauls) unachal Pradesh at Porvorim
Best bowling in a match 200* & 5/19 by Gurinder Singh for Chand-
14/170 by K. Gowtham for Karnataka v igarh v Manipur at Kolkata VAG
Tamil Nadu at Dindigul 148 & 5/39 by Amit Verma for Goa v
13/107 by Imliwati Lemtur for Nagaland v Mizoram at Kolkata CCFG
Meghalaya at Dimapur Best allrounders
13/112 by Sanjay Yadav for Meghalaya v 848 runs and 43 wickets by Amit Verma for
Nagaland at Dimapur Goa in 10 matches
Hattricks 603 runs and 55 wickets by Sanjay Yadav for
Ashith Sanganakal (4/5) for Puducherry v Meghalaya in 9 matches
Meghalaya at Mangoldoi 598 runs and 49 wickets by M. B. Murasingh
Shahbaz Ahmed (4/26) for Bengal v Hydera- for Tripura in 9 matches
bad at Kalyani 673 runs and 35 wickets by Iqbal Abdulla for
Ravi Yadav (5/61) for Madhya Pradesh v Sikkim in 9 matches
Uttar Pradesh at Indore 509 runs and 35 wickets by Shahbaz Ahmed
SPORTSTAR APRIL 18, 2020 65
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ON THE
WRITE
LINE
SUNIL GAVASKAR
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The Honourable Supreme Court has given an excellent opportunity by its mandate for an Indian Cricketers’
Association and having two members of that association on the Apex Council of the Board of Control for
Cricket in India. THE HINDU PHOTO LIBRARY
dark times and this is a terrific chance for a and help, but most importantly the member Plans must be
Visions… no lockdown!
nascent one like the Indian Cricketers’ Asso- has to take the first step by making a contri- made to be
ciation to show that it is the one that will look bution by way of a membership fee. Not only independent of the
after the brotherhood. It’s early days of will regular funds be coming in then, the BCCI funding to
course but it would be wonderful if they can member too will feel an ownership of the prevent the Indian
In these dark times, it is a terrific chance for the nascent Indian Cricketers’ draw a road map for the future and tell the association and take active interest in it. Cricketers’
members what their vision is. This can be Many a member today perhaps has no source Association from
Association to show that it is the one that will look after the brotherhood. done quite easily by asking the members on- of income with the current lockdown and he becoming
line what they would want. Of course, not would be looking to the association for assist- beholden to the
T
he unprecedented lockdown throughout It is also a time where we get the chance to every want can be fulfilled, but needs can ance and guidance at this time. This is where board. AFP
most of the sporting world has thrown the appreciate all those who help make our lives certainly be met and that is what the eort funds raised will come in handy.
international sporting calendar in disar- easier with their presence, be it relatives, should always strive for. There is plenty of work ahead if it is going
ray. It is at this time that one realises that elders, family and extended family, friends, The focus on getting an oce space to be an association that players will be lining
sport is just a tiny part of the universe and sta or, most importantly, public workers, seems trivial now that we know, thanks to the up to be a part of and this is where the vision
there’s much more to life than winning and whose work is finally being recognised and lockdown, that we all can work from home statement and steps taken towards fulfilling
losing a sporting encounter. Winning the acknowledged. too. Plans must be made to be independent of that will be critical. The Honourable Supreme
battle to live is far more crucial than anything Even as we individually get the time to the BCCI funding to prevent the association Court has given an excellent opportunity by
else. reboot ourselves, it’s also a wonderful oppor- from becoming beholden to the board. If it its mandate for an Indian Cricketers’ Associ-
This lockdown not only provides us the tunity for organisations to do an honest in- really wants to be the voice of the cricketers ation and having two members of that associ-
chance to take a step back and reflect on our trospection and focus on areas where they in the country then it must do so standing on ation on the Apex Council of the BCCI. The
lives, careers and possibilities, but also gives can get better. its own legs and not propped up by board next year or so will show us whether that has
us 'my time,' which has been a luxury in the Many such associations are coming to the funds. made a dierence for the cricketing com
rush, rush pattern of our existence. aid of their members and fraternity in these There will be many who will come forward munity or whether it is just a pipe dream. •
66 APRIL 18, 2020 SPORTSTAR SPORTSTAR APRIL 18, 2020 67
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FROM THE
VANTAGE
POINT
PAUL FEIN
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10 tennis things you can do
during the coronavirus crisis
Watch great tennis matches, Play trivia games and do
tennis quizzes with your family, talk about your dreams
with your family and friends, and more...
club or tennis centre. You may be able to help Tennis movies: The coronavirus. First, observe the “social distan-
with its outreach programme, court mainten- plot of the film cing” rule of staying 6ft away from everyone
ance, social media or website — as long as the Battle of the Sexes else, including your doubles partner. Second,
work does not require face-to-face is loosely on a 1973 if you cough or sneeze, be sure to cover your
interactions. exhibition match in mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of
Play tennis, especially outdoors. Un- which Billie Jean your elbow. Third, wash your hands with soap
crowded outdoor space is generally low-risk, King (right) and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser
and the fresh air, sunlight and exercise will defeated Bobby before you play and, if possible, after each
boost your immune system. Have fun, but Riggs. set. Fourth, do not touch your face, and do
also take the necessary precautions to avoid THE HINDU PHOTO not shake hands, highve or hug. Fifth, and
being exposed and exposing others to the LIBRARY very importantly, the Centres for Disease
SPORTSTAR APRIL 18, 2020 71
VANTAGE POINT
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Tennis reads:
(Clockwise from
left) If you enjoy
humour and
nostalgia, you’ll
love A Handful of
Summers, a classic
by Gordon Forbes.
If memoirs are
your favourite
genre, you can’t
beat OPEN, a
candid page turner
by Andre Agassi.
The Pros: The
Forgotten Era of
Tennis by Peter
Underwood will
engross history
bus interested in
the unsung,
outcast pro
champions before
Open tennis
arrived in 1968.
Hardcore tennis
fans will relish
Short Circuit, a
controversial
expose by
muckraker Michael
Mewshaw.
exercises to improve your flexibility. Lighten up! Young your immune system, stimulates many or-
Talk about your dreams with your family children can have gans and brightens your mood.
and friends. If you want to make your high fun impersonating Stay informed. That’s your best defence
school, college or club team, discuss how you the mannerisms of against this highly contagious disease. In an
plan to do it. The same goes for winning a their favourite era of unprecedented misinformation, you
coveted title, achieving a top-10 ranking, or stars, such as can find valuable information and authoritat-
improving a weak stroke in your otherwise Serena Williams ive advice at these highly respected health
solid game. yelling “Come on!” and medical organisations: the World Health
The dream could involve serving in a ten- after winning big Organisation (https://www.who.int/emergen
nis organisation, whether it be paid or volun- points. AP cies/diseases/novelcoronavirus2019), the
teer work. For inspiration, remember what Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
the great writer John Updike said: “Dreams (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/ 2019
come true. Without that possibility, nature nCoV/index.html), the National Institutes of
would not incite us to have them.” Health (https://www.nih.gov/healthinform
Lighten up! A sense of humour is more ation/coronavirus), Johns Hopkins Medicine
important now than ever. If you have young (https://www.hopkinsmedicine. org/
children, visit https://www.scary coronavirus), the Mayo Clinic (https://
mommy.com/tennisjokes/ for tennis jokes. www.mayoclinic.org/ diseasesconditions/
They can also have fun impersonating the coronavirus/symptomscauses), the Cleve-
mannerisms of their favourite stars, such as land Clinic (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/
Rafa fist-pumping and Serena yelling “Come landing/ preparingforcoronavirus).
on!” after they win big points. Watch a funny We are all in this pandemic together. So,
tennis movie, such as Battle of the Sexes, Pat as Ben Franklin said after signing the Amer-
and Mike or Break Point. Laughter is the best ican Declaration of Independence in 1776,
medicine. It’s no joke. According to the Mayo “We must all hang together or most assuredly
Clinic, laughter relieves stress, improves we will all hang separately.” •
SPORTSTAR APRIL 18, 2020 73
CROSSWORD SRIRAM SRINIVASAN
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ACROSS Dolphins, Multan Sultans, his first name. His serves were
Guyana Amazon Warriors, so powerful. (7)
1 Ignacio Trelles Campos, who Chennai Super Kings, and
coached Mexico at three World Surrey in T20s. (5) 9 The umpire who broke Steve
Cups, was popularly called by this Bucknor’s record for Test
name. (3,5) 18 Twice unified heavyweight appearances. (5,3)
champion, Anthony Oluwafemi
6 Goalkeeper-captain for Bayern Olaseni ... (6) 10 The Sarusajai Stadium is in this
Munich and Germany. (5) Indian city. (8)
DOWN
7 Sport that’s referred to as ‘chess 12 Rodney George ... was number 1
on ice.’ (7) 1 It’s sometimes referred to as the in his sport between 1964 and
‘World Cup of tennis.’ (5,3) 1970. (5)
11 The cricket coach, nicknamed
‘Alfie’ and ‘JL.’ (6) 2 The women’s T20 World Cup’s 14 Carlsen and Humpy are the
player of the final, Alyssa ... (5) current champions in this form
13 The country Hend Zaza, a 11- of chess. (5)
year-old table tennis player 3 The National Hockey League’s
who has qualified for Tokyo team representing Pittsburgh. 16 The Formula One team owned
Olympics, is from. (5) (8) by Gene ... (4)
14 They are called the unocial 4 Juventus has come out on top of
12th man of the English cricket this most number of times. (5,1)
team. (5,4)
5 He is between Warne and
15 Former India captain who leads Anderson in the list of bowlers
Tamil Thalaivas. (4,6) with most Test wickets. (6)
17 He plays for South Africa, 8 The word ‘Pistol’ was prefixed to
Banerjee of the banner headlines
AMITABHA DAS SHARMA
P
P.K. Banerjee’s radip Kumar Banerjee, one of the than life stature, both as a footballer and a
greatest footballers to have ever played coach. For many of his peers and even play
‘vocal tonic’ for India, passed away recently after a ers of a later generation, P.K. belonged to
was a brief ght with agerelated illness. He was that realm of excellence that very few foot
household 83 and left behind two daughters and a le ballers in the country could match. “He was
gion of admirers. Playing in an era that is a great man, a great footballer and a great
word. It embellished in the history of Indian football coach. I got name and fame because of him.
was his as the golden period, P.K (as he was pop He was like my godfather. P.K. Banerjee was
unparalleled ularly known), was a colossus with his such an inspiration for players. His vocal
multifaceted talents. tonic and tactical acumen were great stu,”
ability to His position is incomparable in the his Shyam Thapa, one of the nest forwards to
motivate the tory of Indian football as he enriched the have played for the country, says in his
sport as a player, coach, administrator and tribute.
players with a commentator. The acknowledgment of his At a time when football was mostly
careful unparalleled accomplishments came in the played with the veforward system, P.K.
selection of form of the Centennial Order of Merit (year excelled both as a right winger and a centre
2004) by which the world governing body of forward, showing a rare disposition of
words laced football, FIFA, recognised him as the speed, skill and power. His worth can be
with greatest Indian footballer of the 20th cen gauged from the fact that he scored 65 goals
metaphors tury. The Arjuna Award, which he received while turning out in national colours in 84
as the rst footballer in the very year it was matches.
and instituted (1961), and the Padma Shri (1990) Showing his talent quite early in age,
anecdotes. are two other cherished trophies. P.K. made his Santosh Trophy debut for Bi
What made P.K. a legend was his larger har at the age of 15. Born on June 23, 1936,
76 APRIL 18, 2020 SPORTSTAR
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in the north Bengal town of Jalpaiguri, he ful because of his man-management skills,” With P. K. Banerjee
completed his early education in the local says one of the finest defenders of the coun- as the coach, India
school before moving to Jamshedpur to pur- try, Manoranjan Bhattacharya, about his won the bronze in
sue further education. Scouts from the football guru. the Bangkok Asian
Kolkata (then Calcutta) clubs took note of Soon P.K. was part of the national team. Games in 1970, the
his precocious talent as he turned out for And here again he was a pioneer, being last time that the
Bihar and he soon made his way to the picked despite being a name outside the Big country has won a
“Maidan” to start his club career with Aryan Three of Calcutta football. He earned the football medal at
in 1954. With club football oering very first national cap at the age of just 19 when the event. He was
little in terms of remuneration in a purely he played the Quadrangular Tournament in also the coach
amateurish setup at that time, P.K. opted to Dhaka in 1955 and was a part of the Indian when India
take a job in Eastern Railway. As the eldest team at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. In- participated in the
among seven siblings, earning a livelihood dia beat host Australia 4-2 in the quarterfi- Tehran (1974),
was the primary concern, but P.K. never nals and P.K. figured prominently in the Delhi (1982) and
allowed that to overshadow his passion, win, assisting Neville DeSouza, who scored Seoul (1986) Asian
which was football. After he joined, the rail a hat-trick, and J. Krishnaswamy. This was Games. THE HINDU
way team made its way up the rungs of the indeed one of the most memorable chapters PHOTO LIBRARY
famed Calcutta Football League and won in Indian football. India finished fourth in
the title in 1958! Melbourne, which still is considered as the
That was the first time any team outside best performance by the country on the
the Big Three – Mohun Bagan, East Bengal world stage.
and Mohammedan Sporting — had won the India’s next Olympics participation in
CFL title. And P.K. made the most notable 1960 (Rome) saw P.K. as the captain and he
contribution in the rise of Eastern Railway. made it memorable by scoring the equaliser
“He was the heartbeat of the players and to hold France 1-1.
the supporters. He was knowledgeable “I was the captain of the Indian team in
about the sport and a good psychologist who the Melbourne Olympics in 1956 and P.K.
understood each and every player well. He was the right-wing player. After that the
communicated well and knew how to motiv- Indian team toured Malaysia, Hong Kong,
ate the players individually. He was success- Singapore, Burma, Thailand, Indonesia and
SPORTSTAR APRIL 18, 2020 77
TRIBUTE P. K. BANERJEE
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Photo shows P. K. other places, where we got very good res- in Kuala Lumpur. Here India won silver in
Banerjee relaxing ults. We have spent so many glorious hours 1959 and 1964 and the bronze in 1965. After
amidst books. He together. With P.K’s death all those memor- this, P.K. announced the end of his playing
shows a ies are flooding back. He was always full of days in 1967.
preference for life and I remember him as a positive player P.K. then started preparing himself for a
sports magazines who combined speed and a great knack for coaching job, which soon became a reality
particularly Sport scoring,” says his first India team captain when he was asked to shepherd the national
& Pastime. THE Samar (Badru) Banerjee. team. Under his stewardship India won the
HINDU PHOTO LIBRARY The ‘failure’ in the Rome Olympics was bronze in the Bangkok Asian Games in 1970,
soon forgotten as India became the best in the last time that the country has won a
the continental competition, picking up the football medal at the event. He was also the
gold in the 1962 Jakarta Asian Games. This coach when India participated in the Tehran
remains one of the most memorable (1974), Delhi (1982) and Seoul (1986) Asian
achievements for P.K. as India beat the for- Games.
midable South Korea 2-1 in the final in front P.K. was a great player. But he was even
of a consistently booing crowd. Jarnail greater as a coach. He started his club
Singh and P.K. scored one apiece to down coaching career with a bang when he was
the South Koreans as India rose to the top in announced the coach of East Bengal in 1972.
the continent. P.K. had also played in the He found success immediately, winning five
1958 and 1966 Asian Games. trophies for the team in his first year, and
Banerjee’s international career ran for a repeated the feat in the very next season. He
considerable period as he also represented also became extremely popular with his
India on three occasions in the Merdeka Cup fantastic game-reading ability and excel-
78 APRIL 18, 2020 SPORTSTAR
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SPORTOON
FITNESSWISE
RAMJI
SRINIVASAN
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Fitness testing: bane or boon?
Testing athletes and tracking those test results over time is fundamental to
eecting a successful strengthandconditioning programme that is valid for
your sport and skill.
There was a dignity about the man
P. K. Banerjee knew everything and everybody in football, and had the magnanimity to
share easily what he had worked hard at acquiring.
SURESH MENON
A
few weeks into my career, I was looking forward to his job to do and I had mine.
reporting a Ranji Trophy seminal when, out of the Over the years as cricketers showed their displeas
blue, I was asked to go to Kolkata to report the ure in various ways after I had criticised them in print, I
inaugural Jawaharlal Nehru international football tour always remembered Pradip da’s reaction, or lack of it.
nament. I hadn’t even reported Bengaluru’s local league There was a dignity about the man, and an understand
at that stage, but I ing of the rules of
carried with me the the game. I can’t
condence of youth. think of anyone in
I quickly realised I sport who took criti
needed more than cism with such
that. I was new to equanimity, and I
the city, new to the include all the great
sport and new to the Indian sportsmen of
profession. the last three or four
P. K. Banerjee — decades.
Pradip da to me and I never saw Pra
legions of his friends dip da play, but it
— handheld me must have been a
through my rst ma treat. Oldtimers
jor assignment. He spoke of his power
was the national ful right foot and an
coach, a passionate, equally powerful
articulate, energetic left in an age when
man at the height of Indian players ten
his coaching career. ded to favour one
He was my coach over the other. He
too. played for the un
He introduced fashionable Eastern
me to players, to in Railway and led
ternational coaches them to the league
and ocials. I was title in Kolkata. He
let into his charmed was an Olympian
circle. It was a priv Superstar: P. K. Banerjee was an Olympian twice over and twice over and an
ilege. He let me an Asian Games gold medallist. It was no coincidence that Asian Games gold
travel in the team his playing days saw the golden age of Indian football. medallist. It was no
bus. It was an amaz G. P. SAMPATH KUMAR coincidence that his
ing show of generos playing days saw the
ity and kindness towards a youngster he was meeting for golden age of Indian football.
the rst time. He loved to talk. And he could swing from the depths
We met often after that. During national camps, at of knowledge to the edges of gossip without any eort.
other tournaments, on his visits to Bengaluru, and later He knew everything and everybody in football, and had
when I travelled to Kolkata to report cricket. I once the magnanimity to share easily what he had worked
wrote a piece criticising him, especially his remark that hard at acquiring. In his passing, I have lost a friend and
Indian players didn’t know how to trap the ball. This was an early mentor — for not only was Pradip da India’s
a strange thing for a coach to say. Someone sent Pradip ‘Mr. Football’ for decades as player and coach, he was
da a clipping. also someone who lived a seamless life between the
It didn’t make the slightest dierence to our rela sport and his life. Life lessons bled into football and vice
tionship. He never mentioned it, conscious that he had versa. Go well, Pradip da… •
82 APRIL 18, 2020 SPORTSTAR
RNP no: HQ/SD/505/2020-22, RNI No. 30513/1978.