From Gloom to Glory: Negi relives life’s bittersweet moments
Mmumbai
Former hockey goalkeeper Mir Ranjan Negi, the name that catapulted to fame after the release of Chak De India, released his autobiography From Gloom to Glory here on Wednesday evening.
Deemed a ‘traitor’ after he let in seven goals in the final of the 1982 Asian Games final against Pakistan, Negi’s life has been a roller coster ride. The 51-year old shot to glory after he associated himself with the women’s hockey team — as a goalkeeping coach — and guided them to two title wins thereafter.
The books encapsulates Negi’s journey of tears and sorrows, finally resulting in success.
Said Negi after the launch, "This is the moment of truth for me. I want to tell people that in the game of life, there are no egos. India has great potential as a hockey nation, and it is time something is done to develop oursleves into a medal-winning nation again.
"We were a world-beating side. When Pakistan pumped in seven goals against us, they felt like seven nails in my coffin," said Negi remembering that ill-fated day. "It took me 16 years to become the coach. If I had raised my voice then, I would have been deprived of even becoming a goalkeeping coach."
Negi felt that the book will fill the void that he felt all these years. A compilation of his memories, which he used to scribble since his early days, he feels the book will inspire others with his tale of truth.
He also said that the proceeds of his book will to go to the Abhi Foundation for Hockey, in memory of his 19-year-old son Abhi, who died in a road accident few years back.
"I believe God is giving me the best and is scripting the chapters of my life. My son’s death was the lowest moment. It was followed by unexpetced happenings. First, Chak De became a huge hit and then came the dance show."
Asked what the book would do to Indian hockey, Negi said, "Either people will stop playing with hockey or stop playing it altogether."
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