Ashwin Ferro ashwin. ferro@ mid- day. com Rink hockey has always held a special place in the hearts of Mumbaiu2019s hockey aficionados.
And the skillful, fast- paced, five- a- side version has been a primary breeding ground for many city lads, who have gone on to excel in India colours.
However, the shorter format just got faster and more exciting with the Willingdon Catholic Gymkhana ( WCG) introducing some of the rules from the FIH- backed Hockey 5s.
Earlier, just like field hockey, even in the rink version, players could only score from inside the striking circle. But at the ongoing WCG- organised 39th Victor Du2019Mello Memorial Invitational rink hockey tournament being played at the Gymkhanau2019s tennis courts in Santacruz, a player can score from anywhere on the pitch as long as the ball is played along the ground, which is similar to how it goes in Hockey 5s.
A brainchild of WCGu2019s outdoor sports secretary and Olympian Joaquim Carvalho, the new version has received a thumbs- up from players.
Former India defender V Raghunath felt this is the future of the gameu2019s short version.
u201c We have been conducting the five- a- side nationals for the last two years in Bangalore similarly. Itu2019s exciting for the fans because you see more goals,u201d Raghunath, who helped Indian Oil rally from 0- 4 down to beat India Rush 8- 6 in a knockout match on Wednesday, told mid- day.
Former India goalkeeper Devesh Chauhan said itu2019s great for goalkeepers to excel. u201c Since a goal can be scored from anywhere, the goalkeeper has to be on his toes throughout and we u2018 keepers thrive on that responsibility,u201d said Chauhan.
Another former India custodian, Adrian Du2019Souza excelled under the bar as his team Uncleu2019s Kitchen United beat a skillful Coorg XI 5- 4 in a toughie. u201c One moment, Iu2019m down, then I have to suddenly spring back up on my feet. Itu2019s fun. I like it,u201d said Adrian.
Olympian Gavin Ferreira however, felt that things could get a bit dangerous for inexperienced players. u201c Given the long, fierce pushes, any deflection anywhere, can hit a player at any time, leading to injury. But having said that, as a player, itu2019s your job to always watch the ball,u201d said Ferreira, who helped Hockey Navi Mumbai beat Kalina Veterans 3- 2 yesterday.
Dronacharya Awardwinning coach Marzban u2018 Bawau2019 Patel also welcomed the rule change. u201c This is hockeyu2019s version of T20 and any rule change which entertains the crowd, is welcome,u201d said Patel, whose spirited Bombay Republicans lads were ousted 4- 6 by Central Bank.
Willingdon gives rink hockey a makeover Action from the ongoing WCG rink hockey tourney in Santacruz Former India hockey players V Raghunath and Devesh Chauhan at the WCG rink hockey yesterday
