Hockey mentor Marzban Patel, 68, says Shiv Chhatrapati award could have come earlier, but his first govt honour is still the ultimate achievement
Hockey coach Marzban Patel during a training session with kids at the Children's Academy School in Malad recently
Hockey coach Marzban 'Bawa' Patel's life is full of complications - professionally and personally. The coach of Children's Academy (Malad) and Our Lady of Dolours (Marine Lines) has been running a hockey club, Bombay Republicans, which has been in existence for nearly five decades, but a shortage of funds means it has to rely on the benevolence of some of its famous past pupils.
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Health issues
Personally, at 68, Bawa has health complications, which include a recently botched-up glaucoma surgery and an impending cataract operation. But that hasn't stopped him from regularly training his youngsters at school and club level. It is this undying passion for the national game that saw Bawa receive the prestigious Shiv Chhatrapati award,
Maharashtra's highest sports honour on Saturday evening with the Gateway of India providing the perfect backdrop.
Patel with his Shiv Chhatrapati award at the Gateway of India on Saturday
His first reaction is a sigh of relief, and of course, immense satisfaction. "I have been coaching since 1975, and this is my first government award. It's better late than never, because had it come a couple of years later, I don't think it would have meant that much to me. But today, I am overjoyed. I feel that all those years of hard work, training kids across those concrete parts of the Bombay Hockey Association before they stepped on to the astro turf, was worth it. Hockey ne mera jeevan safal kar diya (hockey has made my life successful)," Bawa told mid-day yesterday, taking a short break in the midst of a coaching session.
"We have a Senior Division match tomorrow, and must win it," he added, the soft tone in his voice quickly replaced by one with conviction. Yuvraj, Devindar must play Bawa received the honour with two of his famous wards, brothers, Yuvraj and Devindar Walmiki picking up awards too. "I've been a talent scout and coach all my life and I don't understand how the Walmiki brothers do not fit into the current national team. For Indian hockey's sake, I do hope they don that blue jersey again," he remarked.
Bawa's award came with a cheque of R1 lakh, besides a glittering trophy, and he hopes the money will help heal some of his life's wounds. "I'll use up a small part for my treatment and the rest I will spend on the club [Bombay Republicans]. But first, I hope these fellows win the match tomorrow," he said, before a brief pause and then a scream (to his boys training): "Arey barobar trap kar na ball ko (trap the ball properly)."
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