All for me..!

But here, we dwell on the 85 percent, leaving aside the rest for introspection to a later date.

The boys and girls were first divided into five groups based on their hockey skill level. Each instructor was then assigned with specific task of imparting game skills.

We were lucky to have a women coach as well, who traveled all the way from Chennai, 200 km north of Puducherry, to be part of the program. Nancy, a former India camper and a NIS Diploma holder, was there in the camp on both days, staying in the camp hostel with the girls.

All the coaches and our volunteer Shashank made it a point to stay with the boys in the same hostel in the premises of the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, a State government of facility. We got those rooms free of cost from the authorities.

Give me that one chance and see what I can do...

There were certainly shortfalls in terms of expected comfort levels, but that was not a matter as so many other positives took precedence over.

The wards were neither put into hard grind nor allowed to relax. The summer heat really played a bit of spoil sport, as long gaps between morning and evening seasons needed to be given. Those times were utilized for quiz, Chak De India movie watching and like other activities.

Shashank guided all the coaches and volunteers to the pre-planned areas of activities, while he himself engaged in ‘what’s next’ mood.

Mr. Partiama Raj at the presentation ceremony

Shashank was happy the coaches, who normally train the wards at their schools, extended full co-operation.

Shashank needed to co-ordinate with government agencies, local authorities, and coaches and volunteers, a hell of job he did with a heavenly smile.

Two of his boys from Bangalore who came all the way to Puducherry offered Shashank a comfort zone.

All in all, we in the HCG offer full hundred marks for Shashank’s efforts, though he would offer 15 percent less to the whole show.