World Series Hockey from Wednesday

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The inaugural Bridgestone World Series Hockey has met so many obstacles that its organisers will be more relieved than ecstatic when the cash-rich tournament gets off the floor at Chandigarh on Wednesday.

The decision of current Indian players to pull out of the WSH has robbed the eight-team event of easily identifiable stars.

Hockey India (HI) has tried every trick to wreak the WSH, which is promoted by the IHF. By using the Olympics as a carrot, HI has persuaded the likes of Sandeep Singh and Sardar Singh to stay away from the World Series.

Cash bonanzas announced by team sponsors Sahara in addition to the impressive incentives awarded by the state governments of Haryana and Madhya Pradesh have also swayed the players.

Even though the Delhi High Court has given its nod for the WSH in a landmark verdict recently, HI hasn’t relented.

The High Court said hockey needs an injection of money to regain its lost glory. Union sports minister Ajay Maken has also voiced his support for the franchise-based competition.

The game is already in the doldrums at grassroots level and it will suffer irreversible damage as a result of the persisting power struggle between the IHF and HI.

HI, which has the backing of the game’s international body, fears that a successful WSH would affect its hold on the administration of hockey in India. HI boss Narinder Batra has proved to be a more cunning customer than all his predecessors.

After sensing a chance to strengthen his position, the wily administrator is going all out to ensure that the WSH is spoiled. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have announced a camp for 48 probables at Bengaluru from March 5.

After fighting it out with HI until the last minute, the organisers of the WSH are going ahead with their ambitious project. The inaugural match will pit Chandigarh Comets and Bhopal Badshahs.

Olympian V. Baskaran, coach of the Badshahs, said he was sad to see some players being prevented from taking part at the WSH. “HI is missing a great opportunity to take the sport to the masses. India’s success at the Olympic qualifiers has helped hockey grab the headlines. The World Series is a perfect platform to cash in on the wave,” he added.

Chennai Cheetahs captain Brent Livermore has no doubt about the utility of the event. “I don’t know why a hockey body should try to scuttle a tournament that is going to benefit many young players across the country.

The WSH has caught the attention of the international hockey community. Big stars from all the top countries will come for the second edition of the WSH. They aren’t here for the inaugural edition as the Olympics is around the corner,” he said.

The teams: Bhopal Badshahs, Chandigarh Comets, Chennai Cheetahs, Delhi Wizards, Karnataka Lions, Mumbai Marines, Pune Strykers and Sher-e-Punjab.

Live on TV today

Chandigarh Comets vs Bhopal Badshahs at 8:30 pm on Neo Sports