Ahead of India-Pakan battle on hockey turf, a chance for former players to exchange gifts and dust up memories | Hockey News

When the Pakan team crossed the Wagah Border on Tuesday morning, two familiar faces awaited coach Muhammad Saqlain and his assant Rehan Butt. Those of their old rivals but close friends, Kamalpreet Singh and Jugraj Singh, now an SP in Amritsar. “They could have chosen to surprise us, but when we told them we were coming via Wagah border, they couldn’t hide the excitement and told us that they would be waiting,” says Saqlain.Hugs and handshakes followed, photographs were clicked and lunch was taken together. “When I got to know they are travelling via Wagah Border, I decided to go and meet them,” says Jugraj. “We have been close friends since our playing days and hadn’t met in a long time. We had lunch together while reminiscing about our playing days, catching up on everything that’s happening now and asking about the well-being of the families,” he adds.
The photo of meeting Jugraj, the ace drag-flicker, adorns the top of Saqlain’s Facebook timeline. Jugraj and Kamalpreet had brought gifts for their friends across the border. Those were moments when the tension between the two nations, off the field, melted in a show of warmth and affection.
Memories rolled back and forth. Saqlain remembers an incident that he keeps close to the heart. “In 2005, I was the captain of the team that was here, and Kamal was blessed with a daughter. His parents told me to name the child, saying it was the guest’s honour to do that. I named her Rehmat, since it was the grace of God,” Saqlain recalls.
Time to catch up
Though putting on a strong show in the Asian Champions Trophy is their primary target, they want to catch up with old friends too. Butt, one of the best forwards of his time, is hoping to meet Gagan Ajit Singh and Deepak Thakur. “They were busy when we arrived, but hopefully on the way back we will meet. Every time I come to Amritsar, I usually tend to watch their games, which are popular back home. If I don’t get the time, I will take CDs with me. I’ve told them (Gagan and Deepak) to keep it ready,” Butt said.
For Saqlain, meeting Gagan would be an opportunity to tease him, something both did regularly during their playing days, before Jugraj brokered peace. “Gagan was a very close friend and we used to spend our time together off the field. But on it, we used to rile each other up, tease, score goals and make each other angry. Eventually we decided – Jugraj was the mediator – not to fight on the field, especially since people were watching. But aggression is part of the game. Without that, the game loses charm,” Saqlain said.
While there is plenty of catching up to do, Saqlain is eagerly waiting for Dhanraj Pillay to turn up. Although it is unclear when the Indian great would come to Chennai, Saqlain is planning to seek his time. “We also want to see our guru, Dhanraj Pillay. I want my players to meet him. If he comes, I will request him to give them a lecture. I used to like Dhanraj a lot when I was a player,” he says.
He recollects a fanboy incident. “This is a little embarrassing, but while we were playing in Australia, I was sitting around Dhanraj and he was drinking coke. I asked him if he can give me some as drinking whatever is left, I will also get the same skills as him,” Saqlain said.
Familiar city
Chennai too is a familiar city for them. The last time when they came here, for the Asia Cup, they explored the city with minimum fuss about their security. That was a different era, but one they fondly reminisce about. “We have fond memories of not just playing here but how we were welcomed. This time too, it is no different,” Saqlain says.
With an hour to go for their game against Malaysia, Saqlain and Butt met V Baskaran, the former India captain and coach. When they took the field for their opening fixture against Malaysia, they could hear the Maghrib from the mosque behind the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium. They would have travelled back in time, as they used to offer prayers at the mosque in their past visits. A couple of hours later after their side, comprising mostly junior players, lost to Malaysia 3-1, Butt deviated from his route to the team bus to meet a friend, whom he last met in 2007.
Having played in an era where India and Pakan were inseparable in major tournaments and crossed the border frequently for Test series, several players are close friends. But over the past decade, political tensions have restricted their meetings to social media. “Our relationship is very close. I have gone to their place, they’ve visited mine,” says Saqlain.
He wants the two nations to renew their sporting ties. “So I feel the series should resume, be it cricket or hockey. Both nations need to show large-heartedness. That’s my request, even to India – you’ve progressed so much as a country, a lot superior, please open your heart a little more so that you can accommodate a few more people,” Saqlain says.
He urges the two nations to take a leaf out of the past. “In 1999, PM (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee ji played a very positive role and even started Samjhauta Express. So it’s important to have continuity of the process,” he says.
“The amount of talent our two nations have, I haven’t seen anywhere else in the world. We have to let gones be gones and look at the future together. Everyone will benefit if we do that,” he adds, looking forward to reviving old memories and making new ones.