‘Game deserves to be brought under SRO 549/98’
Rajesh Dhar
JAMMU, Oct 26: J&K’s Hiteshwar Singh, son of Sudhir Singh and Anuradha Sambyal, has the honour of representing the country at the International scene in two sports disciplines of Roll Ball and Inline Hockey, besides bringing laurels to the State in Roller Skating at the National level. The recipient of National Child Award for his achievements in sports and academics at the tendre age, Hiteshwar has the honour of being part of World Cup winning Indian Roll Ball team.
In a freewheeling chat with this correspondent, the ace sportsperson talked about his achievements, preparations and the sports scenario in J&K.
Excerpts:
Q. You have been a speed skater in early days of your sporting career. Now, you have represented country in Roll Ball and Inline Hockey. Tell us about this transformation?
A. There is no-doubt in it that I was a speed skater in early days of my career. I possessed motor-ability (required to blossom in any kind of sport) from the word go. I started practicing Role Ball as a recreational activity, but my coach Madhu (Sir) spotted my talent and advised me to take Roll Ball as a career. My coach’s advice was backed by my father, who supported me all the time and brought much needed equipments and allied requirements to flourish.
Q. What difference you see in all these sporting disciplines?
A. These are three different sporting disciplines, however, the skates are a common factor. The equipments and the rules are altogether different in each game. Speed skating involves 500 mtrs, 1000 mtrs races, while Roll Ball is simply Hand Ball on skates and Inline Hockey is similar to Ice Hockey.
Q. Comment on the preparations of all these games?
A. You know, in every game it is sheer-dint of hard work and determination to succeed at the higher levels. In 2017, I left no stone unturned to make it to top 12 players of India in Roll Ball and represent the Nation in the World Cup played at Dhaka in Bangladesh, wherein India emerged champion to win gold. Every sports discipline needs a different way of preparation and planning.
Q. Winning World Cup and being honoured by Bangladesh Prime Minister would have been an ecstatic feeling. Please comment?
A. It is always an ecstatic, rather a blissful feeling to win any kind of tournament. And winning a World Cup is a special feeling.
Q. Tell us about the journey from Roll Ball to Inline Hockey
A. After flourishing in Roll Ball, I tried to test my skills in Inline Hockey and used to practice at Skating Rink Peerkhoo in Jammu, where Khurmi (Sir) guided me to become a better player. His Motivation made me to represent the State in Federation Cup at Noida in Uttar Pradesh and then to the National team and represent the Country in Italy and emerge goal scorer for India.
Q. Please comment on your achievements?
A. I have 15 National and School games medals in skating and have been the youngest player to win medal in Nationals at a tendre age of 6 years. I have the distinction of emerging CBSE Cluster Group Champion to win 7 gold medals. I have been the part of Indian World Champion team and emerged top scorer for the Country, besides representing India in Inline Hockey World Championship at Asiago in Italy.
Q. What should the Government do to promote medal winning games?
A. The State of Jammu and Kashmir is striving hard to carve a space on the country’s sports map. Especially, the present Governor is committed to improve standard of sports in the State. However, the need is to categorise games on merit and bring all the medal winning sports disciplines like Roll Ball under SRO-349/98 to help outstanding sportspersons shape and make their careers. Providing incentives and awards to good sportspersons is the way forward to promote sports and games in the State. Felicitating Asain Games bronze medallist, Surya Bhanu Partap Singh was really a delight for young sportspersons of the State.
Q. Your favourite Sporting personality?
A. Cricketer MS Dhoni. He teaches you how to be cool even in pressure-cooker scenario.
Q. Talent, it is said, is what you possess. And genius is what possesses you. Do you see geniuses in the sports you play?
A. Former State skater Mir Danial is my local hero and Nikhilesh needs no introduction. Gandhotras, Balotras, Thakurs and Khajurias are few outstanding skaters to name.
Q. Any message for young sportspersons of the State?
A. Get married to the sport you play. Be focussed and determined to achieve goals and avoid drugs and such other evils.
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