Hockey legends meet Bayi in bid to develop sports 

IN a bid to promote and develop hockey in the country, the visiting hockey legend Tarlochan Sandhu accompanied by Tanzania Hockey Association Chairman (THA) Abraham Sykes and other former players visited Tanzania Olympic Committee (TOC) Secretary general Filbert Bayi.

The meeting held in Kibaha, Coast Region on Thursday was a step forward plan to bring hockey to its glorious days.

Speaking to the ‘Daily News’ on Friday, Sandhu, who is currently based in Canada, said it was a healthy visit.

“I want to thank Bayi for his time and cooperation. It was a great meeting and congratulations for the amazing job you are doing to elevate sports in the country,” he said.

However, Sandhu said that is looking forward to being of assistance. Optimistically, everything is going to be fine, God willing. We had a wonderful meeting.

Sykes added that the meeting went well, and that a plan is in the pipeline to boost the game.

“There are things we have agreed on how to develop the game in cooperation with the government too, now we are waiting for the implementation steps as we will also need to discuss with the ministry responsible for sports,” said Sykes.

Among other things, hockey legends have decided to help construct a modern hockey stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Bharya Sarbjit, who is Becco Limited Chief Executive Officer (CEO), has already committed to supporting the plan to construct a modern hockey stadium and offer construction material at the site and 10m/- for the project.

They said President Samia Suluhu’s effort in the development of the sector has motivated them to join hands.

Hockey remained the only team sport that was presented to Tanzania at the Olympic Games.

Sandhu was the Tanzania hockey team manager at the Moscow Olympics in 1980 while Sykes was the team captain.

The Tanzania hockey team under Sandhu’s captainship was also invited to the Six Nations competition held in Kingston, Jamaica in 1976.

Sandhu returned to the country for the special Patel Brotherhood Patel Samaj (PBPS) Cricket Festival that brings together over 39 former cricket legends who join their fellow former players.

Apart from playing hockey at  high level, Sandhu, who said his heart is in Tanzania, serves as TOC Treasurer, Member of National Sports Cancel (NSC ), THA Secretary and Dar es Salaam Hockey Association secretary.

He was a Member of Africa on the Commonwealth Games Federation Finance Committee, Chair of DCA, International Field Hockey Umpire, Treasurer African Hockey Federation, Member of EA Hockey Union, and Chairman of Lions Club Dar City to mention a few,

The humble charming Sandhu credited the people for their support and energy that enabled him to deliver the service.