Interview - Saiyed Ali Sibtain Naqvi
Saiyed Ali Sibtain Naqvi held a unique distinction of representing both India and Oman in hockey. During the 2002 Olympic Games at Sydney, Australia, a commemorative postage stamp was issued in his name, being the senior-most administrator among the National Olympic Committees. Naqvi held many important positions during his long career, including coach of the Indian men’s hockey team (1973 & 1975), coach of the Indian women’s hockey team (1978 & 1979), chief coach of Oman at the Asian Games (1982), and technical advisor of the Oman Olympic Committee (1984-2002). He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Oman in 2011 and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) in 2015.
Originally from Qazizada, Amroha, he settled in Oman. Naqvi died in 2021 and is buried in Muscat. This is an old interview.
1. What all can you recall from your childhood?
I was born in Amroha on December 10, 1929 (according to the school’s records, the year was listed as 1932). Being a survivor of the 1942 Quit India Movement, I remember how students were used for political purposes. I was a student in class X at the Government High School, Sitapur (UP), when India celebrated its independence.
2. The partition must be troubling?
The partition of India saw many Muslims migrate to Pakistan in a frenzy. Several close relatives from my family, too, left for Pakistan, leaving behind their properties and assets. India burned as the mistrust between Muslims and Hindus reached a new low. Gandhiji struggled to bring about unity and eventually paid a heavy price for his philosophy.
3. How did the people cope with newfound realities?
The situation cooled in the 1950s, and I shifted to Lucknow for higher education. That was also the time when the Zamindari System was abolished, leading to many Muslim families struggling for survival as the compensation given was not sufficient.
There was an open tussle between Congress leaders and the British. The Britishers and the Anglo-Indian community held power and occupied critical administrative posts. The Congress took over the command under Jawaharlal Nehru, and there were grand celebrations. Educational institutions in India continued to run successfully, despite the turmoil around them.
4. How did hockey enter your life?
My growing-up years in Shiekh Sarai and Mohalla Qaziyara, of Sitapur, introduced me to sports. Sitapur was the nursery for hockey talents during that time. Sports were the real source of entertainment and physical activity for us. I picked up the basic skills of hockey at the age of eight. Street hockey tournaments were organised on each Sunday. The exploits of Dhyan Chand and Roop Singh from the 1936 Berlin Olympics inspired us all.
My passion for hockey continued throughout my educational life. It was in 1949 when I joined the team of Jubilee Inter College, Lucknow. The institute was reputed to encourage both hockey and football. Incidentally, I was also selected for the football team. During the same time, I was invited to join the famous hockey team called M.Y.A. Lucknow.
5. Did you get a chance to meet or play with popular Indian hockey players of the time?
It was the legend Husain Ali Kazmi, a renowned national player, who guided me during my initial years. In Lucknow, I had the good fortune of meeting K.D. Singh Babu (Captain of the 1952 Olympics team). I was fortunate to play alongside him as part of the Lucknow XI at the U.P. Hockey Championship in 1951, held in Allahabad. The same year, I was selected to represent U.P. XI at the National Championship at Calcutta. The following year, Babu introduced me to Kishan Lal (Captain of the 1948 Indian Olympics Hockey team).
6. What about representing India?
I migrated to Bombay (present-day Mumbai) in 1952 to join the Bombay, Baroda and Central India Railway Company (BB&CI), which later became the Western Railway. I played along with Kishan Lal in the team. While representing the Western Railway in Delhi, I was spotted by Dhyan Chand. The Indian Hockey Federation invited me for seven camps for the selection of the Indian team for the Olympics. I played against visiting teams of Britain, Germany, Malaysia, and Kenya, among others.
I worked as a sports commentator for All India Radio in Bombay, covering both Urdu and English broadcasts, from 1975 to 1982. In 1982, I migrated to the Sultanate of Oman, where I accompanied Oman’s delegation as a Technical Advisor to all Olympics and Asian Games held from 1982 to 2002, i.e., five Olympics and six Asian Games. I also served as the Chief Hockey Coach of the Oman National Team. Freelance journalism currently keeps me busy.
7. The interest in hockey in India is at a low. What are your thoughts?
It’s sad to see the current state of hockey in India. The Indian Hockey Federation and Hockey India are struggling to take control of the situation. The basic hockey skills and spirit of many national players leave a lot to be desired.
The silver lining is that India has natural talent. It’s just that modern hockey needs new infrastructure and changes in our old training system. So far, India has lagged in introducing the scientific system. Advanced nations are seeking the help of sports scientists, and they are achieving success.
The Olympic gold has eluded us since 1980. I’ve little hope for the future unless drastic steps are taken. Politicians are exerting significant influence over major sports in India. The administration of sports should be entrusted to qualified individuals who possess the knowledge and passion for the game.
8. Any message for the Indian youth?
The youth of India need to show a better spirit to build a strong nation. Our country has a rich cultural and sports heritage, which youngsters need to carry forward. This can be realised through discipline and integrity in approach.
Saiyed Ali Sibtain Naqvi in conversation with Inam Abidi Amrohvi. (December 9, 2012)