Shimla-the birthplace of the Durand Cup and the Indian Air Force ...

article pertains to sports infrastructure and not to the football
match as such. Times changed and after the Asian games of
1984 coloured television arrived in the country. After the
opening up of our economy, we were able to see more ‘sports
channels’ besides many other entertainment channels. The
next generation of cadets were being bought up on Star sports,
ESPN and Neo sport besides others. One was able to watch
the football world cup matches, as also the EPL, and FA cup.
There was some improvement in the sports infrastructure in
the country, even so, that it was restricted to the major cities.
I went back to the NDA as the Commandant in December 2007.
While many things had changed in the NDA over the years and
for the good, many still reminded me of my own days at the
Academy which I left in 1970. The Academy play fields were
one such relic. They seemed to have been left in a time warp.
When I witnessed the first football match in the academy and
saw the cadets fight tooth and nail to win, it took me back to
my own days of playing football at the Academy. At the end
of the match, as I was going back to the car I stopped midway
and looked back. Like yester years the cadets were limping
their way back to the squadron. Some even being assisted by
squadron mates detailed by the CSM. The next day I asked the
CO of the MH to come and brief me on the extent of injuries
suffered by the cadets. It was revealed that a large number of
cadets had to miss training, gleefully, because of their injuries.
It was then we at the Academy decided to do something about
the playfields of the NDA.
Some leg work was then put in to come up with sources that
were capable of providing the requirement of improving the
Academy’s play fields. The paper work was completed post
haste. We were glad that the higher echelons of Command
and the financial advisors agreed and cleared the project.
We started small with three football fields. These field were
relayed with Bermuda grass on a largely sand based surface.
A sprinkler system was put in place with a captive sump for
guest column
irrigating the fields. The task was done by professionals and by
the next football season we had the fields ready. To inaugurate
the football fields, it was decided to hold a match between the
6th term cadets of No. 1 and 2 battalions and the cadets of No.
3 and 4 battalions. It was a hard fought match even though
there was no inter squadron rivalry. The cadets were trying
to emulate footballers they had seen on TV. The same sliding
tackles, throwing themselves without fear to stop a rival from
scoring were not new but the quality suddenly seemed to
improve. Their antics were praise worthy even if these were
of a lesser degree of finesse and capability compared to what
one saw on TV. After the match we interacted with the cadets
and for a change there were no injuries. Their shorts were a
dirty green with their new found sliding skills but no serious
injuries to help the cadets skip training and cross country.
With this success behind us, the NDA team ventured out with
other sports infrastructure. Basketball courts got a synthetic
cover, new synthetic tennis courts were developed. The hockey
fields were levelled to reduce the possibility of injury. The
riding and show jumping arena was redone to international
standards and an international event held much to the delight
of the participants. The golf course was also turned green.
The crowning glory was when we laid an astro turf for the
NDA hockey field along the NDA Raj path. The Indian hockey
team also played on this ground and praised it when the team
revolted against the establishment for non payment of dues
and the choice of captain before the last Asian games. Plans
were laid for upgrading all the football and hockey fields. I am
sure all the plans would be progressing on schedule.
Much more needs to be done, but the NDA support team of
2007 – 2009 laid the foundation for the up gradation of the
sports infrastructure at the NDA. Successive generations will
only enhance the quality of infrastructure at this elite training
Academy.
purple beret July 2011 33