An Interview with Saiyed Ali Sibtain Naqvi, International Hockey Coach

‘A man is as old as he feels.’ Dynamic old people always feel young. Naqvi saab, even in his eighties, is still active for the cause of sports.

Saiyed Ali Sibtain Naqvi, or SAS Naqvi as he is more commonly known, was the coach of the Indian hockey team (men) in 1973 and 1975, coach of the Indian hockey team (women) in 1978 and 1979, national hockey coach of Oman in 1982, and Technical Adviser of the Oman Olympic Committee for 18 years from 1984 to 2002. In fact, it was he who established the Oman Olympic Committee and designed the blueprint for the development of sport in the Sultanate of Oman in 1983. He has the rare distinction of representing Oman at all sports-related meetings and seminars at international and Olympic level.

Recipient of the Indo-Oman Friendship Sports Award in 2010 and Life-time Achievement Award from the Sultanate of Oman in 2011, this hockey great is an epitome of hard work and honesty. He is revered, remembered and rewarded in both India and Oman.

Below are excerpts from an interview with this sober, soft-spoken sports personality.

Q: You are an octogenarian, yet young at heart. How did you look back on playing with legends like K. D. Singh Babu, Kishan Lal (Dada), Dada Dhayan Chand and Late Leslie Claudius?

In the golden era of hockey, from 1949 to 1972, I had the privilege to compete with several Olympians like Balbir Singh (SR), Udham Singh, Leo Pinto and other Olympian stalwarts. But I remember Francis, Mr. Deshmuthu Peter and Harbinder coming to play and learn from Dada Dhyan Chand, Kishan Dada, K.D. Singh Babu, Late L.Cladius and Balbir SR. In the practice matches of this dream team in preparation of the national championship, Dada Dhyan Chand used to demonstrate the faults of different players in a team. I was corrected by him specially. I learnt from Dada Dhyan Chand to play cool and confident in spite of any reverses one faced. Dada had nick-named me ‘Maluna’.

Q: You have had many memorable moments on and off the field. Can you share some of them?

I still have those memorable moments fresh in my mind even now. Some of the memories of past hockey have been lost as many Olympians have departed in the recent past.

It was the semifinal of the 1957 Aga Khan Gold Cup at the Bombay Gymkhana Ground. I was representing Western Rly, Bombay. We had reached the semifinal after eliminating a very strong Delhi Independent XI, which came after playing four draws with Punjab.

The final of the National Hockey Championship (Ranga Swamy Trophy) at Madras is another memorable moment. The final of the National Hockey Championship (Ranga Swamy Trophy) at Madras in 1963 was played between Rlys XI and Services XI. It was a tussle for supremacy. The Rlys XI retained the title of National Champions and the Ranga Swamy Trophy for the 13th year in a row.

Q: The style of game has changed drastically with the influence of the west. Can you share your opinion with us about this?

The style of the game changed due to several changes in rules – the changeover from natural grass to astroturf, change of field marking, change in the composition of hockey sticks as well as the ball and other equipment such as goal-keeper kits. Umpiring rules changed. Teams like Australia, Holland, Germany, Spain and Argentina started dominating. Artistic hockey started disappearing.

Q: Indian Hockey has seen a decline after 1980. What do you think is the reason for that?

India, Pakistan and the Asian countries started developing infrastructure and new strategies very late. The Astroturf was a very costly affair. We neglected this aspect.

Q: What is the difference in the attitudes of players then and players now?

I can comment that the Golden Era hockey stalwarts had more nationalism. There was no greed and attraction of money. They played hockey for the sheer love, entertainment and enjoyment of the game. The present day generation of Indian players, I feel, treat it only as a profession.

Q: Of late, hockey is getting popular with more sponsors and the advent of events like the HIL. What are your views on that?

Yes, it’s a positive development. I am confident it will change the entire outlook of the youth and motivate them to adopt hockey in great numbers and hopefully usher in the revival of the Golden Era of Indian hockey.

Q: Your opinion on the current Indian team?

I feel it is necessary for to get coaches from our own country as they are very sincere and dedicated. A few foreign coaches cannot change Indian hockey. I hope the conditions improve soon.

Q: How do you enjoy your work as Sports Consultant of Oman?

I am very privileged to have got the opportunity to work in this role; my contribution has been acknowledged in both India and the Sultanate of Oman.

Q: Which of the current Indian hockey players do you find promising?

I feel Sardar Singh and S.V. Sunil are the most promising along with Mr. Raghu. There are several others knocking at the doors.