Kolkata: Bengal hockey is all set to see dark days as the prestigious Beighton Cup couldn’t kick start on it’s scheduled date of December 20 despite the schedule being made as problems have risen regarding the absence of astro turf.
The 122 year old competition would take place once the issues regarding the field is met and the tournament is expected to take place on February 2018.
Hockey great Dhanraj Pillai had apparently spoke badly about the astro turf of SAI, so last year it was decided by the Hockey India, BHA and SAI that new turf would be placed. However things got delayed due to various reasons and as a result the tournament can’t kick start at it’s scheduled moment.
Former Olympian and BHA official Gurbanksh Singh said, “we are sorry that we can’t start the tornament at the correct time however BHA doesn’t have it’s own turf so it will be unwise to blame both us or the SAI. Last year it was decided that new turf would be placed and SAI took the responsibility of placing the turf. They informed us that turf would be ready the 15th anf they have also issued a tender. However 10 days ago they infirmed that there has been some problem with the tender so tuef would be placed after issuing of new tender.”
Apart from the turf issue it has come tonlight thatbthere has been no election of the officials since 2012 as well as audits are not submitted every year. Amidst all such tension top.officials have left their designations.
However Secretary Babon Banerjee is unwilling to acknowledge these things as he said, “Every process takes time. I have had conversations with other officials and will conduct a meeting on December 8 where the problems would be tackled.”
Babon Banerjee has assured that after crossing allbthe hurdles the Beighton Cup would be held with great grandeur.