New Delhi:
After Indian women's hockey team refused to accept the offer of Rs 50,000 each from Hockey India, the on-screen hockey team of the 'Chak De' fame have come ahead and decided to help the cash-deprived team.
The 'Chak De' players said they will withdraw the money they received as a part of the national award to help the team.
Earlier, the women's hockey team had refused an offer of Rs 50,000 each from Hockey India, saying they would continue the protest they have launched against non-payment of dues. They said that they would only accept the money unless they are paid all their dues.
The interim hockey federation had announced an incentive of Rs 50,000 to each member of the team on Thursday. And, the federation's interim president Vidya Stokes had said it would request the government to give each player Rs 1 lakh more.
The women's team has followed in the footsteps of their men counterpart. The
men's hockey team successfully launched an open revolt last week and did not return to practice at a World Cup camp till they got their incentive cheques. (
Read: Indian hockey players get Rs 1 crore)
Though the women players have not boycotted camp like the men did, they sported black arm-bands during in practice on Thursday as a mark of protest. The team had supported the men in their protest wholeheartedly, but was told there was no money to clear the dues of its members. (
Read: Women hockey players revolt over pay)
Speaking to NDTV, Mamta Kharab, the former captain of the Indian women's hockey team had said yesterday: "Hockey India has agreed to pay incentives to the men's hockey team, and we want the same for us too. We wanted to take some steps but former president AK Mattoo assured as that we will get what we deserve. But it didn't happen. We won't go on strike as we love our game and our country."
The women have opened a joint account with the Syndicate Bank and sent out the account number appealing to hockey fans for contributions.
For those who want to help the women hockey players, cheques can be sent to Syndicate Bank Account number 77052010002970 -- this account has been opened by the players in the TT Nagar Bhopal Branch.