“The Wizard” remembered as SS-XI wins tournament

Aligarh: In the final match of a hockey tournament to mark the birth anniversary of Indian Hockey ‘Wizard’, Major Dhyan Chand, an illustrious Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) alumnus, SS-XI defeated Grass Root Hockey Academy, 3-0 to clinch the title. The district and school hockey tournament played on Astro-turf was organised by AMU Games Committee Hockey Club.

SS-XI kept the grip on the match from the starting as forward, Shamsul Huda gave an impressive display by scoring two goals in the first half back- to- back, while Vikas kumar scored the final goal in the second half leaving Grass Root hockey Academy with no hopes of coming back.

The tournament was inaugurated by Aligarh Commissioner, Subhash Chand Sharma (IAS), who said, it is a great feeling to be part of this tournament. He added that to revive Indian hockey, upliftment at the grass-roots level is imperative.

Mr Sharma further said that there should be innovative ways to introduce hockey to youngsters at school and college levels. “Workshops focusing on ball control, defence, drag flicks and other techniques of hockey should be held,” said Mr Sharma.

Teams from Syed Hamid Sr. Sec School (Boys), AMU City School, Al Barkaat Public School, Sana Public School, STS School and ABK Union School participated in the tournament.

Prof S Amjad Ali Rizvi (Secretary, University Games Committee) and Dr G S Hashmi distributed prizes.

Prof M Mohsin Khan, Prof Shadab Khursheed, Prof Zamirullah, Prof Mazhar Abbas, Dr Mohd Shamim, Mr Faisal Sherwani and other university officials were present.