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He is now a frazzled wreck, devastated mentally and physically and financially. He doesn't remember what he had in food last time. When too. His eyes had only a few winks of rest since that Sunday evening.
"If I close my eyes I see the bloody faces of those tiny tots, those littered mud-soaked chess boards and books, and those crumpled clothes with blood
stains. He is not quite sure where and when his agony will end.
"I've never had such a terrible time in my life,'' he mutters.
"But my precarious predicament is nothing compared to those unfortunate parents.''
Sekhar Sahu, a veteran International Master, gave up a bank job to concentrate on his chess. To give back something to the game that gave him so much?
"Yes. particularly in my State Orissa. There are very good players who languish due to lack of proper training, exposure,'' he says. His first stop was Puri where he planned to hold the biggest tournament in Orissa. It never happened.
Q: When did you come to know of the accident? What was your initial reaction?
A: It was in the evening last Sunday. When some one told me about it, I did not believe it. My mind went completely blank. I had no clue how to react and what to do.
Then we've realised the tournament is off. The next step was to call up players in other places to inform about the cancellation. About 30 players had already come.
Q: Did you inform All-India Chess Federation?
A: I could not although I tried. I told my friend Gokahale to inform the AICF and
Ummer Koya.
Q: What was AICF's response?
A: I don't know. I've not tried to check up. That can wait. I had other important things to attend to. I've seen the reactions of AICF officials in the media.
Q: How big was the planned tournament?
A: It would have been biggest chess tournament ever held in Orissa. Over 100 players, including several IMs and WIMs from outside the state and 100 from Orissa were expected. We had even allocated prize money for the winners.
Q: Now what do you do with that money?
A: We've not received any money. A few sponsors promised certain amount after the tournament. Now that question
doesn't' arise. We're spending money from our pocket to reorganise things. But that is not a point now. We can discuss that later. Right now we've other pressing things to attend.
Q: Like what?
A: We've to see those injured players off to their respective places. Already some have left. Three more are convalescing at Cuttack. We're attending on them. They are, of course, out of danger.
Q:Looking back could the tragedy have been averted?
A: I wish I could answer that question. But yes, perhaps the intensity of the accident could have been much less if a few persons were more careful. Drivers of both vehicles were in a tearing hurry. Had they been more careful perhaps... some more may have survived. But since that accident I've been through a terrible time in my life. I myself met with an accident about 11 year ago in New Delhi. I had broken my ribs. But that is nothing in comparison to this accident. But I've learnt a lesson in my life after this. I've become wiser. I would not say stronger. It would take a while to overcome such things.
Q: Have you met the parents of the victims. What was their reaction to you?
A: I met only the father of Haricharan. He was very silent. Apparently his tears had dried out. He thanked me for taking care of the body. Strange really. Our problems and trouble are nothing compared to those unfortunate parents.
Q: How much support you got from the governments?
A: We're confused what to do with so may bodies. We're in a position where we did not know out next step. A day later both Orissa and AP governments acted in unison. They took care of the bodies and some help also reached to the survivors. But there are also many people at Cuttack and Puri who did a lot.
Q: So what next. You have any plans?
A: We've decided to organise an
International tournament in memory of those children in Puri. It would be the biggest ever in Asia. We'll call all the top Grandmasters of the country and the continent. We've chalked out a plan. Of course we'll need the support of many people. I could have managed with the help of a team in this tournament. Now I'll need the the help of a State Government and the national association. I will be meeting the Orissa Chief Minister soon in this regard.
Q: After all this, do you think any body will be interested to come here?
A: Yes. I'm confident. Whoever I spoke to after that accident I got encouraging response. Even the parents of the injured Shivani and Shivachaitanya promised participation of their children. Honestly speaking, those were the best words I've heard since that accident.
'We'll hold the biggest tournament in Asia in memory of those kids'.
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