BHUBANESWAR 22-Nov-2012 290
Croquet, the game of mallet and ball, is set to be officially introduced in India through the first National Championship-cum-Coaching-Camp at Kalinga Stadium here from January 5 to 8. This was announced by Croquet Federation of India (CFI) Executive President Manoranjan Mishra at a media conference yesterday.
``Croquet is a old sports and featured in the 1900 Paris Summer Olympic Games. The sport is now played by more than 20 million people worldwide. Croquet is very popular in England, USA, Australia and France. World Croquet Federation (WCF), the apex governing body of the sport, is making efforts to re-include it in the Olympic Games,`` elaborated Mishra, who earlier introduced lesser-known sports gateball and racketlon in the country.
``Around 200 players from 20 states are expected join the National championship and the camp. WCF has confirmed to send Klin Seabright from London and Dave Underhill from Geneva to impart coaching and supervise the National championship here,`` he disclosed.
``The programme here will serve as the basis for selection of 10 Indian players for participation in an international camp-cum-competition to be held in London from April 21 to May 2,`` added Mishra, also the president of newly formed Odisha Croquet & Gateball Association (OCGA).
OCGA secretary Sanjay Jena, vice-president Smruti Prakash Mohapatra and treasurer Bisikesana Sahoo were present in the media conference. Details about the National championship and camp can be known over telephone (Mobile: 94371-00527, 9853331263, 9938470895).
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PHOTO: Officials of CFI and OCGA announce the introduction of croquet in India at Bhubaneswr on Nov 21, 2012.
