Jharkhand hockey team players get tracksuits before leaving for the National Games to be held at Guwahati. Picture by Hardeep Singh

Ranchi, Feb. 5: Lack of proper play grounds or training for players notwithstanding, the Jharkhand Olympic Association (JOA) mandarins today made the departure of the 180-strong state contingent to Guwahati a mega event.

When the JOA secretary S.M. Hashmi decided that the state contingent would march in dhotis, saris and safaa (traditional head gear) during the opening ceremony, former international hockey player Savitry Purty was assigned to get the attire. The JOA officials have also identified two persons to help players in tying the dhoti, so that it does not come undone during the march past.

“Our contingent will have that special look during the march past on the opening day,” said Hashmi.

The rituals started early when state sports minister Bandhu Tirkey arrived at 10 am today. He distributed kits to the Guwahati-bound Jharkhand women’s hockey team and promised he would attend the opening ceremony on February 8 and the closing ceremony ten days later.

“We have provided kits at par with those provided by the Indian Olympic Association,” Hashmi said.

Significantly, now each player and official of the Jharkhand contingent has been insured for Rs 15 lakh each.