12 sports have been included in the Rajasthan government's 'Khel Rajasthan' event, but hockey did not find a place. Hockey Rajasthan's president has written to the CM.
But an important sport is missing from the sports list of this big event. Hockey, which won many gold medals for India in the Olympics, is not part of this event.
The government has selected a total of 12 sports for the competition. Hockey has not found a place in the list of these 12 sports.
Now Hockey Rajasthan has raised a strong objection to this decision. Hockey Rajasthan has demanded the intervention of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma in this matter.
Detailed information about the program is given on the official 'Khel Rajasthan' portal of the Rajasthan government. According to the brochure, these competitions will be organized in a total of three phases.
The surprising thing is that hockey has not been included in any phase. The structure of the event has been prepared in such a way that priority has been given to 12 sports.
Four sports have been selected for the first phase of the competition. This includes Volleyball, Athletics, Tug of War, and Archery.
The first phase competitions are proposed from December 1, 2026, to January 15, 2027. The process of registration of players for these sports has also been started.
Four major sports have also been given a place in the second phase. This will include Kabaddi, Football, Judo, and Shooting competitions.
Kho-Kho, Wrestling, Basketball, and Satoliya have been selected for the third phase. Thus, a structure of a total of 12 sports has been prepared.
Mahipal Singh Nimbahera, President of Hockey Rajasthan, has expressed concern over this situation. He has written a formal letter to Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on October 9.
In the letter, he has raised questions on the decision to exclude hockey from the event. Nimbahera said that the government's effort to encourage sports talent is commendable.
But ignoring a glorious sport like hockey is a matter of concern. He has urged the Chief Minister to take immediate cognizance of this matter.
A press note has also been issued by Hockey Rajasthan. It stated that an e-mail has also been sent to the Sports Minister along with the Chief Minister.
The concerned sports officials have also been informed about this discrepancy. The organization has demanded that hockey be included in this competition immediately.
Nimbahera believes that hockey is an integral part of India's sports heritage. Excluding it from any major sports event is an injustice to the players.
There is a special mention of the great player Major Dhyan Chand in the letter written to the Chief Minister. Nimbahera reminded that National Sports Day is celebrated every year on the birth anniversary of Dhyan Chand.
Hockey has given India a distinct identity at the international level. India's initial sports successes in the Olympics were possible only because of hockey.
In such a situation, it is not appropriate to keep the new generation away from this sport. Hockey Rajasthan has placed this historical context before the Chief Minister.
Hockey Rajasthan says that the morale of the players will increase with this event. Especially the youth playing hockey in rural areas will get a platform.
There are many such talents in rural areas who have limited resources. A platform like Khel Rajasthan can be a big opportunity for them to show their potential.
Including hockey will further strengthen the sports culture in the state. This will inspire new players to come forward.
The biggest question in this entire controversy is on the process of selection of sports. The government has given priority to sports like Kabaddi, Football, and Wrestling.
Even traditional sports like Satoliya and Tug of War have been included. But no clear reason has been given for not including hockey.
Was the selection of sports done on the basis of available grounds? Was hockey removed due to technical arrangements or lack of budget?
No solid answer to these questions is found in the official documents. Until the government clarifies, it remains an administrative puzzle.
The responsibility for the development of sports in Rajasthan lies with the Youth Affairs and Sports Department and the Rajasthan State Sports Council. The current Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore is himself an Olympic medalist.
In such a situation, the sports world has high expectations from him. After the objection of Hockey Rajasthan, the pressure on the department has increased.
The department will now have to clarify the logical basis for the selection of sports. Protecting the interests of the players is the primary responsibility of the department.
Hockey Rajasthan has urged the Chief Minister to take a decision in the interest of the players. They have talked about honoring the glorious legacy of Major Dhyan Chand.
Currently, the name of hockey is not included in the official list. However, the government reserves the right to amend the rules.
Now it remains to be seen whether the government accepts this demand. Will hockey players be able to find their place in this mega event?
*Edit with Google AI Studio
जोगेन्द्र सिंह शेखावत
