Bengaluru: From Kochi to Chandigarh there were celebrations galore as the Asian Games gold-winning Indian hockey team returned to New Delhi from Incheon early on Sunday and headed to their respective home towns. But at the Kempegowda International Airport, with a handful of people holding garlands, many among the bystanders thought it was the arrival of the ubiquitous a ‘VIP’.
Sad, but true that three members of that landmark team and a coach, who touched down in the city, were in for a cold reception when the red carpet should have been rolled out.
V.R. Raghunath, S.V. Sunil, Nikkin Thimmiah and coach Jude Felix – the pride of Karnataka – were given a royal snub on their arrival. Barring a few office-bearers from the Karnataka State Hockey Association, a solitary Department of Youth Services and Sports official and a few hockey enthusiasts, there were none who cared to greet the men who were a part of the team which ended India’s 16-year drought for a gold medal at the Asian Games.
While one official quipped that the reason for the no-show from men at the helm was that it was a Sunday, it clearly outlined the indifference with which athletes in the state are treated ever so often.
Trying his best to hide the disappointment, Raghunath said, “To be honest, we expected a better reception. But then, it is left to people to recognise our achievements. Our job is to play well and make our country and state proud.”
