There is one common factor that
is common between battles and Sports and if you wish to see a rare combination
than turn your wheels to Khadki.
Khadki a
battle ground of historic importance, now house to Bombay Sappers, ammunition
factories and a war cemetery. And some of the finest sportsman has come out of
this land of spirits. The common thing that connects is spirits. “I am
honored to serve these dead people sleeping beneath concrete”. Said Mr.Behnwaal
of Khadki War cemetery, which
is maintained by funds, provided by commonwealth countries “many have come to
salute their spirits from far off east and west. And the list include all the
chiefs of UK defense forces” says Mr.Behnwaal who adds that a piper of British
Army who spend his retirement income on visiting all the war cemeteries around
the world and played pipe till his last breath in the honor of soldiers. Sevak
Nayyar CEO Khadki Cantonment
board adds,” like lot many people from Milkha Singh’s village followed his path
when he made it big on track and field. But I am not aware who has started this
movement. Here hockey players are in plenty. There is demand for hockey if
somebody else approach we are open to it.
Agrees M.Pillai father of
Dhanraj Pillai “In fact we are thankful that they are contributing to
Hockey and other games”. He came here with this father in pre independence time
and settled down here while he played for India and his coming two generations
are dedicated to it. “From Ammunition factory ground I have seen many players
coming out and shining at international scenario. During rains whole Pune and Khadki is flooded the ground dries with
in five minutes after rains that I haven’t seen anywhere in India as long as I
served as coach to many teams” authenticate Pillai whose son is fighting a
tough battle to prove his love and continuity for Hockey.
It is amazing to see sports all
around in Khadki. Everything to
anything is being played out here. Cricket, Football, Boxing, Karate, Hockey,
Swimming, you name a game sportsman of the same are there. “From alone Bombay
Sappers there are some 45 players who have represented India in different
competitions. Five are Arjun awardees and to add more the very first Dhyanchand
award for sports came to us.” Boasts Lt.col. Sunil Kumar of Bombay sappers. It
was established in 1820 and looking at its valor, glamour and gorgeous nature
Queen named it as Royal Engineers corps. And at that time commanders gave a
special room to sports and till date the tradition is followed. While they
command some 3 param vir charka till date, in pre independence time the company
was entitled with one Victoria Cross. “Every year we send Talent scouting team
to rope in more and more talent in sports from all over country and followed by
their recruitment in Army. And from here many have made it big internationally
and the list includes Sub. Shivaji Bhosale first Indian boxer to fetch medal in
commonwealth games, Col. M.S.Pillai who sat a record while winning national
championship for five times col.J.S.Rawat who set a new record in Ranji trophy
acclaiming two hat tricks in Ranji trophy” claims Sunil Kumar.
“After I completed my tenure
with Army I chose to settle down here. I was recruited owing to my skills in
Boxing and from here my career took a flight in fight” says Ajit Singh,
ex-olympian and International boxer whose fight with the than world champion
Gama in Mumbai in 80’s is still remembered. He is living a low profile life and
actively involved as coach in boxing, “It’s been years teaching boxing and
under my hand came out boxers who took their career to even International
level”. In a nearby school he has been teaching boxing for more than a decade
during evening hours. “I have special sentiments for this place as not only I
was champion of rings but created many such champion of rings”, concludes Ajit
Singh.
Khadki boys
have a rare quality that they never give up till the last drop. So we have
tried many methods to raise tempo of our team also we should trykhadki. Its weather, healthy food, cheap
living could turn them into a spirit-ful fighter as games are won by spirits
rest everything is just training.
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