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De Rosayro opens the can of 'Hockey' worms
The national players have not been practising as a team from 2002
By Pelham Juriansz
Could one remember the heydays of Sri Lankan Hockey and when we pitted ourselves against the best available at that era and held our own? But what has happened to that skillful sport in the country today is a tale of woes? In search for that reason is why the Sunday Times hit the road.

During our search we met the former national coach and hockey stalwart of the late 50's, 60's and 70's, Dennis de Rosayro. Rosayro in return came up with some stunning suggestions and revelations.

The former National player who later became a top hockey umpire and an administrator, De Rosayro represented his school St.Benedict’s in hockey and captained the school in 1954. He also coached BRC and was elevated as the National Coach in 1982.

But the burning question is "What of Sri Lankan hockey today?" "Whither Sri Lankan hockey?" could well be the title of this article. Well, rather ironically this was the identical headline in an article not recently but in a paper article in 1959, believe it or not. At that period Sri Lanka was on a very much better footing in this game than today. Anybody who held that curved stick could vouch for that statement. What more should we ask about the standards of hockey today?

One of the pertinent questions asked by the President of the Mercantile Hockey Association (MHA), Dennis de Rosayro was "How is that there are no longer top officials of the Mercantile and Schools holding any position in the Federation?

"Almost four years ago I put forth a draft proposal to ensure that the game of hockey is kept alive, but this fell on deaf ears and nothing came out of it. I proposed that a foreign team be brought so that our players get exposure but in the four years nothing has happened.

Just look at the Astro Turf. It is an absolute disgrace. The Toilets are a disgrace and I have mentioned so many times that the Pavilion is badly constructed and it is on the wrong side of the ground as the sun shines on the spectators when the game is in progress. The place is full of dust and sometimes we have had to cancel or postpone matches due to the non- availability of water or a failure of electricity. Also since most of the players are working when they come to play it is late and then matches have to go on till late. We need floodlights at these grounds so that matches can go on till late."

Writing a proposal 4 years ago after the Tour to Malaysia, de Rosayro, said "The present structure has to be revamped and drastic changes have to be made even if we are to compete with weaker countries in the Asian region, like Thailand, Brunei, Macau and Singapore, who frequently train in Malaysia and play matches against the Malaysian National pool players, be it first or second teams.

Selection of a competent coach Another area of contention is the selection of a competent coach and the sending of outstanding young players for short stints to work and play with players of a higher standard. A top qualified coach should be hired on both a short term and long term basis.

This coach should be able to draw up a master plan for hockey. National teams being brought down on regular basis De Rosayro also emphasized the importance and necessity of national teams like India, Pakistan and Malaysia, bringing their best teams to Sri Lanka at regular intervals on tour, even to play two or three matches, with the blessings of the Asian Hockey Federation. Matches of this nature will do a world of good, because the Sri Lankan public and schoolboys and girls are starved of witnessing top class international matches.

In addition, our umpires too will get an opportunity to officiate and prove their eligibility for higher honours.

Junior Pool
The best players in the 18 to 21 age group should be identified and suitable employment be found for them. Players should be sponsored by the services, like the Army, Navy, Air Force and Police and some mercantile establishments, like Singers, John Keells, Banks and profit-making Corporations.

These players must be given a reasonable attractive salary and initially could be employed mainly to play hockey. If everything goes as planned within 2 to3 years, the country will have about 40 to 50 top class players

Physical Fitness
De Rosayro went on to say that physical fitness is up to the individual to improve and work on. For instance the Sri Lankan team has not been in training the whole of last year (2003) and also up to now this year. Supposing that a National team should turn up today, how can we play them? We should be always prepared to meet another team. Whether we go out or not they should be in regular training. "I can give an open challenge today that even if the Sri Lankan team trains up to 3 months they will lose by a margin of about 20 goals to India, Pakistan and Japan. Then they will lose to Malaysia, Thailand etc by more than 15 goals. I am sure that if we play a National Tournament now we will concede about 75 goals in the Tournament.

Junior Nationals
It is a wonder that these hockey players are continuing to play this game. Even though these players have been playing for some time they haven't improved much. There must be some definite programme. Now for example the Junior Nationals are supposed to be played next month and the venue is said to be just Colombo or Outstation.

Now if this is to be played outstation we have to find accommodation like in 1995 when Singer gave us a sponsorship and that was for accommodation. When we go for Mercantile we rent houses just to give them the basic needs. Twenty players cannot use one toilet. Now that the President of the Federation is there for 4 years has he made any effort to bring down even one team from abroad. We don't have grounds. We should have pitches of dimensions 100 by 60. Where are the turfs here?

Even the Umpires should be graded. Like in cricket we know our best umpires. Can you tell us who are our first 10 coaches and umpires in the country? If the schools want to use the services of the best coach, then how can we choose the best coach?

The first three coaches should be sent abroad for training. For instance, if our umpires blow at the Indian Nationals it will be a great experience.

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