he U-15 Girls National Hockey Championship is an extravaganza of youthful energy and exuberance, of competition and camaraderie.
Finally, twenty-two teams could make it to Bassi Pathana for the Championship, and the players transformed the ITI Grounds and the Jodhpur Police Lines. The U-15 colours epitomising girl power reigned supreme. During the day the girls donned their uniforms and fiercely played and tackled. The players belong to different parts of our Nation; speak different languages but there is clarity of purpose, to play their best Hockey, to compete and outperform the others, to WIN the Championship.
But at the end of the day, the twilight brought all the teams together, mellowed the players, cultures became one, different songs and sounds, all woven in a single fabric of our rich Nation. Birthdays were celebrated and jokes shared. Bonhomie and laughter took centre stage as players danced with gusto. It didn't matter what music was played, whether the team was Mumbai or Bihar, the rhythm caught them all. And when Mizoram took out their travel smart version of bamboo staves the entire contingent stood by to watch them practice the Cheraw Dance. Akashdeep with Mizoram Team
Incidentally, Mizoram, the first team to reach the Trust at the Mata Haram Kaur Community Development Centre (MHKCDC), travelled across the nation as an exclusively girls contingent, chaperoned by the manager's mother. The players took to the MBCT Public Relations Manager, Akashdeep. In between, they whisked her away and draped her in their traditional costume.
“Next year organise the Championship league matches to last a month,” enthusiastic chorus from the Goans, the youngest Team to play the U-15 Girls National Championship. It was sad to see the young lot leaving early, but not before enthralling all with their songs, interspersed with giggles and jokes.
The Himachal team enthusiastically performed at every opportunity, loving every moment spent at the Championship. “Please put our photos on Facebook so that our families can see how much fun we are having.” Yes, the Championship was not just about the participating girls, but also about the families who had proudly and trustingly sent out their young ones.
Some exchanges were poignant, the Chattisgarh girls felt liberated to roam freely to enjoy the rural expanse, the lush green paddy fields that cradle the Police Lines. “Can we not stay back in Punjab?” It is our responsibility to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for our girls, no matter where in the country. Only peace and freedom can truly answer this question.
Many teams used their free time to visit MHKCDC where the Trust provides skills development training in a number of fields. The girls felt at home and spent their entire day running through the corridors watching phulkari being made. Punjabi traditional crafts products were in great demand.
Then there was the Heritage Tourist Trip organised by Punjab Tourism. The players and their managers enjoyed visiting the NIS, and were floored by the opulence of the Palace and the colours of the local bazaar. Chandigarh was another city visited by the teams, the Rock garden and the Lake being the favourites.
Mr KPS Gill, IPS (Retd.), Chief Advisor of Indian Hockey Federation visited Bassi to watch the League Matches as well as interact with the teams and their managers. The girls listened with rapt attention as he shared his experiences and impressed upon them to play sports and make Hockey a career.
All in all, a most fulfilling yet humbling experience. The joyousness of the players was contagious, and the staff felt relieved and satisfied for a Championship well organised, that brought teams across the country under one roof. At the same time the Health parameters as studied by the team from NIS is a concern. These girls need better nutrition to continue playing competitive sports.
As the finals get played, and Champions get anointed, the Trust feels honoured to have so many teams come forward and participate. Prayers for every player that may the girls realise their potential and stay happy; let us work together for hamari beti, hamari shaan.
Finally, twenty-two teams could make it to Bassi Pathana for the Championship, and the players transformed the ITI Grounds and the Jodhpur Police Lines. The U-15 colours epitomising girl power reigned supreme. During the day the girls donned their uniforms and fiercely played and tackled. The players belong to different parts of our Nation; speak different languages but there is clarity of purpose, to play their best Hockey, to compete and outperform the others, to WIN the Championship.
But at the end of the day, the twilight brought all the teams together, mellowed the players, cultures became one, different songs and sounds, all woven in a single fabric of our rich Nation. Birthdays were celebrated and jokes shared. Bonhomie and laughter took centre stage as players danced with gusto. It didn't matter what music was played, whether the team was Mumbai or Bihar, the rhythm caught them all. And when Mizoram took out their travel smart version of bamboo staves the entire contingent stood by to watch them practice the Cheraw Dance. Akashdeep with Mizoram Team
Incidentally, Mizoram, the first team to reach the Trust at the Mata Haram Kaur Community Development Centre (MHKCDC), travelled across the nation as an exclusively girls contingent, chaperoned by the manager's mother. The players took to the MBCT Public Relations Manager, Akashdeep. In between, they whisked her away and draped her in their traditional costume.
“Next year organise the Championship league matches to last a month,” enthusiastic chorus from the Goans, the youngest Team to play the U-15 Girls National Championship. It was sad to see the young lot leaving early, but not before enthralling all with their songs, interspersed with giggles and jokes.
The Himachal team enthusiastically performed at every opportunity, loving every moment spent at the Championship. “Please put our photos on Facebook so that our families can see how much fun we are having.” Yes, the Championship was not just about the participating girls, but also about the families who had proudly and trustingly sent out their young ones.
Some exchanges were poignant, the Chattisgarh girls felt liberated to roam freely to enjoy the rural expanse, the lush green paddy fields that cradle the Police Lines. “Can we not stay back in Punjab?” It is our responsibility to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for our girls, no matter where in the country. Only peace and freedom can truly answer this question.
Many teams used their free time to visit MHKCDC where the Trust provides skills development training in a number of fields. The girls felt at home and spent their entire day running through the corridors watching phulkari being made. Punjabi traditional crafts products were in great demand.
Then there was the Heritage Tourist Trip organised by Punjab Tourism. The players and their managers enjoyed visiting the NIS, and were floored by the opulence of the Palace and the colours of the local bazaar. Chandigarh was another city visited by the teams, the Rock garden and the Lake being the favourites.
Mr KPS Gill, IPS (Retd.), Chief Advisor of Indian Hockey Federation visited Bassi to watch the League Matches as well as interact with the teams and their managers. The girls listened with rapt attention as he shared his experiences and impressed upon them to play sports and make Hockey a career.
All in all, a most fulfilling yet humbling experience. The joyousness of the players was contagious, and the staff felt relieved and satisfied for a Championship well organised, that brought teams across the country under one roof. At the same time the Health parameters as studied by the team from NIS is a concern. These girls need better nutrition to continue playing competitive sports.
As the finals get played, and Champions get anointed, the Trust feels honoured to have so many teams come forward and participate. Prayers for every player that may the girls realise their potential and stay happy; let us work together for hamari beti, hamari shaan.
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