MANGAR-NEELGAI-CAMEL-ASHRAM CHAI, COMMUNITY HOOKAH AND tête-à-tête WITH A FOOTBALLER ---------------–------- A rejuvenating ride to the Mangar ashram via the Lost Lake this morning. Had not been well, so there was a toss-up between the half marathon and the trail ride. The latter won. A no-contest, really! Made it to the trails T Point at 745 and decided there is time enough to go all the way to the ashram. What a decision it turned out to be! First, at least 30 youngsters running the trail in a disciplined manner and then, a few NeelgaiS scampered away as we neared. And just when we thought they are gone, another one (Usain) Bolted across. We immediately slowed down and looked around. Didnt want a repeat of what happened in South Africa when an antelope knocked over a cyclist on a trail. At the ashram, there were people we hadnt seen before. They turned out to be residents of Kherla village near Damdama. We would have left soon but they started talking about our bikes and surprised us with their knowledge about the bikes and fitness, in general. Just a matter of time before we realised one of the guys was a footballer and had represented Haryana in Santosh Trophy, the national tournament that is played between various state teams. This guy, Virender Khatana (seen with neck support in the picture), suffered a bad accident and had multiple fractures. Although he has now recovered and still plays a bit, he wanted to repay the game that he says gave him so much. So what has he done? He has started giving football training to 150 kids and claimed, with considerable pride, that his team can beat any of the Tom-tommed student football teams around. Really liked his drive and the passion to pass on his knowledge and experience to the youngsters. Am wondering how to help him further! Footballs? Kits? Diet? In between, Rajeshwar Mukhopadhyay experienced hookah and admired its water-filtered smoke and the fact that it had swivel wheels that allowed it to be used for the entire community sitting around. And as we returned, ran into camels again, the first time in several months.
Posted on: Sun, 23 Nov 2014 11:44:52 +0000