Cricket Vs Hockeys

All my friends frequently ask me one question, how much dough did Adrian get for the last triump? What are his match fees? Does he endorse any product?
I dont feel bad to reply no to most of the answers. I dont feel bad, because it is the bare truth. Its a fact that sport-persons other than cricketers have to live with in this country of ours.
Hockey for one is our National sport, but the support it gets from the government makes me ask them, whether do they even know that such a sport exists.

For example, there is one Astro-turf in Mumbai. It is present at Churchgate, near the Wankhede stadium.Ok, so now that i mentioned Wankhede stadium most of you guys have an idea of where is must be located. :)
Mumbai, has produced Olympians all the while. I will just mention the recent one's, Jude Menezes and Adrian D'souza. Both of them were goal-keepers. Here's the interesting part. I suppose, if you have even once seen the goal-keeper, then you must have thought, "Hey he is one big fella!!". With all the hand protection, leg guard and helmet, they do look burly.
The reality is different. Adrian weights 62 kgs, he used to carry the kit, nearly 1/3 his weight all the way from Malad to Churchgate. A complete distance of about 30-40 kms. He used to travel by train. Train is another nightmare all together. Yes, so why dont we have more astro-turfs?
Why can't the goverment spend some money for the poor souls who want to take up hockey, but cannot because of the unavailability of facilities.

JC, the current coach of the Indian Hockey team, has rightly blasted all the government folks who showered loads of cash bonanza on the cricketing demi-Gods. We are not against cricket. No, we are not. We are against being recongnised for our hard work. I have seen how hard the team works. I have a brother who has been playing hockey for the last 10 years. He has stayed away from family since 16. He has had numerous injuries and has visited 2 Appllo centres in unconsicous states. But, he has had absolutely no support from the quarters he expects from.
The support if any has to come from Family and Friends. AD, skipped the Azlan Shah so that he can compelte his graduation. I still rememeber when one cricketer from Gujrat was to miss his exams, his board rescheduled it for him. Can this be applied for a Olympian hockey player.
At the age of 23, AD has played almost all the top level hockey events. Olympics, World Cup, Asian Games, Asia Cup, Champions Trophy, Junior World Cup, Champions Challenge, Azlah Shah.

Its a sad state of affairs i must admit. But at the end of the day, My Mom, Dad and I are proud that AD took to hockey and not any other sport. He is a person who is living his dream and passion. And believe me money does not really matter much to him. It is recognition i think he deserves.

Go India Go!!!