Volunteer Mrs. Mithilesh handing over 'Puducherry Update' to JK School Principal

But as the day progressed, the twosome never seem to tire while the energy levels of the so-called youngester was visibly on the wane.

It was a brief two-day visit, full of pre-obtained appointments with the school heads.

The principal was on official tour and hence we could not do anything solid in our first visit of the morning. There was a huge lecture from another leading school of the city, which almost sapped our spirit as to the success of the recce mission.

This not so good mood was further spoilt with endless wait at the waiting room of third school’s principal. No worry as our patience would pay for shortly.

Principal Midha was earful for us, showed interest and led us to talk to the man concerned, the Games Teacher, who is welcome to our idea. Only cricket keeps us busy in schools, will be happy to expand to other sports with the kind of support coming from you all, said a beaming Srivata, and it was a music to our ears.

We visited Khalsa Inter-college, which boasts of very good play ground

Our scheme struck a responsive chord with Khalsa Inter-college which houses probably the biggest play ground. On both sides of the play ground are schools for each boys and girls. Principal Shukla is the man we are looking forward to to finalize formalities and take up the offer seriously.

We went to two more schools before having our long delayed lunch and then calling it for the day.

Second day was more fruitful. We visited DPS Schools in Kalyanpur and Azadnagar, followed by two top Hindi Medium schools. All the four schools endeared us, warm welcome and sweet discussions later, we came to the conclusion that we cannot afford to miss all the four schools. They all have play grounds, ready to spare time and children, and are even ready to meet a bit of expenses on this count. What else are we looking further?

So far our limit for each city – limit due to both monetary and human resources – is around six or seven schools. To narrow down our choices to this limit is going to not only an exhaustive exercise but also frustrating – because at least ten schools are ideal enough to join OTHL.

Efforts are on, to locate coaches for each school and to devise a program specific to the city that is viable, enjoyable and sustainable.

One thing is for sure, OTHL will come off in Kanpur – shortly.

DPS Kalyanpur principal in discussion with our volunteers Games Teacher Misra looks on

Hockey is not absolutely not in the city. At least half a dozen schools are playing already. What we feel is, the hockey culture, which is integral part of OTHL concept needs to be introduced in this city, and we found there is ample scope for this.