Added responsibilities for Team KND now - By Usman Rangeela I Mirror
Posted on - 23 Dec 2014
Added responsibilities for Team KND now
By Usman Rangeela
Mumbai Mirror
After languishing for what seemed like ages at the crossroads looking for someone to show direc tion to a better future and begging for reforms, a new era is on the horizon for horse-racing in India -particularly at RWITC.
Elected for the seventh time as chairman of India's premier turf club, Khushroo Dhunjibhoy could be leading this change after his fivemember team -riding on their `Race for Change' manifesto, swept to power during the recently held elections. As Jaydev Mody and Ram Shroff had all but decided not to contest this year but later forged a formidable alliance by literally dragging Vijay Shirke into the fray, the team has indeed taken a giant leap forward.
It's a given that the ruling faction realises its responsibilities; more so since they have rekindled hopes of breathing new life both into the sport and institution by ringing in the long overdue changes.
RIGHT MOVE
Responding to an SOS from the new stewards' body, former senior stipe Shujaat Hussain flew in from New Delhi and immediately assumed charge on Sunday. Hussain replaces Pradyumna Singh who, much to his chagrin, had to quit the RWITC scene in unpleasant circumstances for the second time in his innings at RWITC.
Regardless, the committee has made a move in the right direction after assuming power in getting Hussain to fill Singh's void. If nothing else, it will lend the much-needed credibility in the policing of the sport. Hussain will assist a body whose formation will leave no room for accusations of bias, something which had become a curse for horse-racing in the recent years. Also, with young Jiyaji Bhosle and Bollywood director Milan Luthria accepting the offer to join the jury inside the stewards' room, it gives a new dimension to the working of the club. Here's wishing them good luck for a term that's not marred by any nasty experience.
Former committee member Sunil Jhangiani, noted corporate lawyer Berjis Desai and Shiven Surendranath have also agreed to devote their time alongside Shyam Ruia, Dhunjibhoy, Shirke and Ram Shroff as stewards.
SOME AFTERTHOUGHT
Most club members believed that post elections, the dust would settle on the bitter feud between Jain and Dhunjibhoy groups. But that was not to be. Dejected by the election results, Vivek Jain wanted to resign from the committee saying `he had no enthusiasm to continue.' Apparently his colleagues too wanted to follow his path but eventually better sense prevailed.
On a strange impulse, however, Jain & Co excused itself from being appointed as stewards. Forced to fill these vacancies, several club members were taken aboard on being unanimously accepted by the entire committee.
As an afterthought, two days later, Jain, Geoffrey Nagpal, Zavaray Poonawalla and Champaklal Zaveri expressed their desire to act as stewards not realising that they'd unknowingly shut the doors on themselves permanently.
Meanwhile, a bogey was raised against the nominated stewards by saying they were connected to one trainer (read Pesi Shroff) and also that Shiven Surendranath shouldn't accept the post since he was defeated in the Appeal Board elections.
Let's not forget that despite losing the elections, Smriti Irani was inducted as Union minister by Narendra Modi because it's the premier's prerogative to nominate whoever he believes can make a valuable contribution to his team.
