Hockey coach Carvalho to be feted on July 14

Mumbai, July 12 (UNI) India hockey national coach Joaquim Carvalho would be felicitated at the hands of cine star Jackie Shroff at a function organised by former Rajya Sabha MP and spokesperson of Maharashtra State Congress Sanjay Nirupam at Goregaon Sports Club, on July 14.

''Carvalho, a Mumbaikar and a former Olympian, will be felicitated to acknowledge his contribution and also to wish him and the team good luck for the challenges that lie ahead,'' said Sanjay Nirupam.

Rajiv Khel Ratna awardee and four-time Olympian Dhanraj Pillay, one of Carvalho's best known proteges, is expected to be present at the function.

Joaquim Carvalho, who has taken over the reins of the national team a few months ago, has brought about a small but significant turnaround in India's hockey fortunes. Under him, the team narrowly missed making it to the title round in the just concluded Champions Challenger in Belgium, Mr Nirupam stated. The team managed a podium finish with a bronze medal. India had also won the third place at the Azlan Shah Cup Tournament in Malaysia earlier.

The Indian team commences it's preparation for the Asia Cup at Chennai, a few weeks from now.

''Hockey needs encouragement, more so because we can still regain our glory,'' Mr Nirupam said. India is presently aiming at gaining a berth at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

UNI