G.M. Srivastava (right) with Satindra Singh and Assam Hockey Association office-bearers at M. Tayebulla Hockey Stadium in Guwahati on Thursday. Picture by Eastern Projections

Guwahati, May 11: The association between hockey and police officials goes a long way, with “supercop” K.P.S. Gill being the most illustrious example. However, for those following the secret killings case closely, the name G.M. Srivastava may ring a bell.

Last week, Srivastava, during whose stint as IGP (operations) a series of secret killings rocked Assam, was appointed co-ordinator, Northeast, for the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) youth development programme.

The seniormost IPS officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre will be returning to the state as director general, Civil Defence and Commanding General Home Guards after his stint as DGP of Tripura.

Given his “light” official assignment, Srivastava is actively involved with his new IHF posting — spotting talent at a two-day camp to shortlist probables for an advanced three-year training at the national level.

“I am a field man and am back in the field since I cannot sit idle and am familiar with the nuances of the game,” the 57-year-old said. He, however, did not want to go into the controversy that dogged his tenure as IGP (operations).

“I only do my duty. There were people above me and there was nothing controversial. It is the government’s prerogative to give a posting. My duty is to do justice to whatever role I am assigned. My present posting is light compared to my earlier postings and I am enjoying it as I am being able to give more time to the game, which otherwise would not have been possible.”

Keenly observing the boys practising at the M. Tayebulla Astroturf stadium at Bhetapara Srivastava opined that the boys, though talented and enthusiastic, need proper grooming and diet to improve their endurance level.

The Assam Hockey Association is more than happy with Srivastava’s appointment. “It is good to have him on board. Given his stature we can only benefit,” secretary Tapan Das said. Srivastava himself has started working on the weaknesses. “It is a very fast game and the boys need to work on their speed. However, things can only improve if such camps are held on a regular basis,” he observed.

Having seen insurgency from close quarters, the senior police official said such schemes as these could help groom the youngsters. “These are the boys who need to be given hope and skill to make a career out of sports so that they don’t go astray. They are our future,” he said.