Sudeep Pakrashi says Jayanta Holme Chowdhury has coached several players who have made a mark for themselves for BengalJayanta Holme Chowdhury was brought up in an environment of India’s national game — hockey. Chowdhury (45) was initially fascinated with soccer and he used to play football in his locality. But renowned hockey player Saibal Mukherjee, residing in the same place, drew him to hockey later. Chowdhury first played for Entally Players’ Forum and represented East Calcutta Sports Club in 1974-75. Chowdhury, however, never excelled playing at the national level though. While recalling his memorable performance in 1981-82, Chowdhury said he was the only striker to have scored against a star-studded foreign team Macokle Engineers in the Beighton Cup pre-quarter finals. Moved by his impressive performance in Beighton Cup that year, Eastern Railway offered him a contract and also a job. Chowdhury remained with Eastern Railway for the next 18 years — till 2000. Chowdhury shifted to Baruipur in 1981. But he was not satisfied with his playing career. He wanted to do something for the younger generation. In 1987 he started training a few students of Baruipur High School (BHS). Chowdhury recalls that he is indebted to the games teacher of Baruipur High School, Gauranga Bhadra, for his encouragement in building up a team and allowing him to use the school ground for training. He built a hockey team with 30 students (both boys and girls). Most of the students were so poor that they could not afford to buy even a jersey. Chowdhury spent from his own pocket to buy hockey sticks as well as jerseys for them. He contributes Rs 5,000 per month to run the coaching camp. He, however, has not received any financial help from any quarters till date. Not content with that Chowdhury also started coaching Bishalakshi Sporting Club (BSC) in Baruipur which is participating in the Bengal Hockey Association’s second division league this season. Over the years Chowdhury’s wards have swelled in number. He has at present 55 players being trained by him. He admits that he might have failed to shine as a player but his life’s mission has been fulfilled as he has contributed quality players for Bengal. Nearly 50 of his students have already represented Bengal in the past 21 years. Dasharath Saha, Khokon Ali, Bappa Saha, Zakir Ali who have already made a mark playing for Bengal are Chowdury’s favourites. Chowdhury is now keen to promote BHS to the first division next year.
