Kalmadi, of course, did his homework well in advance. He asked Dhanraj Pillay, his Man Friday, to meet the players along with IOA president’s personal assistant Manoj Bhore on Wednesday morning.
Accusations were flying thick and fast. The Revolt of 2010 was getting progressively worse until Suresh Kalmadi, the magician, decided to broker peace. What Hockey India failed to do despite multiple rounds of talks with the striking players, the Indian Olympic Association president succeeded in doing in a matter of 30 minutes!
Kalmadi, of course, did his homework well in advance. He asked Dhanraj Pillay, his Man Friday, to meet the players along with IOA president’s personal assistant Manoj Bhore on Wednesday morning.
The former India captain had faced a similar situation in the past. Dhanraj, ever the enthusiast, went to Balewadi straight from Mumbai before even going to his home in Pune.
He reached the venue at 11am and had a brief chat with the media. “I am here to talk to the players and you will get good news in 15 minutes,” he said.
Instead of 15 minutes, the meeting went on for over two hours. The agitating players discussed various issues with the former skipper.
“He told us what would be our best option and how we can get our demands fulfilled and start training,” said goalkeeper Adrian D’Souza.
Prabhjot Singh came up with the figures, relating the exact dues that the players were supposed to receive. “We also told Dhanraj that HI officials were not ready to commit anything,” he added.
Though the players refused to go into details, it was learnt that various topics were discussed, including the possible penalty in case the strikers continue their agitation.
After the marathon discussion, the players met Kalmadi in the main stadium of Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi. This particular interaction was brief and the disgruntled players appeared satisfied with the outcome.
“When the IOA president assures us in front of the entire nation that he will take care of our demands and incentives before the World Cup gets under way then we should have little to worry about,” explained a satisfied D’Souza.
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