Meeting the legendary Michael Kindo
It was December, 1994. I was assigned to cover the Duleep Trophy match (South v West) at Rourkela. My friend #SunilValson had organized accommodation at the Ispat Guest House and attached a young intern Mukund Trivedy to guide me !

The first day at the Press Box (I was the lone journalist) I was joined by a gentleman who sat in a corner. Twice he came up to me ,"Kutch chaahiye aapko (Would you like something)?" I politely told him not to worry and just relax. He was elder to me.

Just before lunch he said "Lunch par chalte hain (let's go for lunch)." I again told him to relax. "Mera duty hai aapkaa dhyaan rakhna (I have to attend to you," he said so humbly. I asked him "Aap ka naam kya hai please." I was stunned when he mumbled "Kindo."

"Hockey wale Kindo? Michael Kindo." He nodded and I didn't know where to hide. A legend was assigned Press Box duty. I touched his feet and he hugged me. What a moment it was for me. To meet one of India's finest hockey stars. @mukundji watched in awe !

The next two days I watched cricket but spent more time listening to hockey tales from Mr. Kindo. He took time to open up. Spoke more about others. Paragon of humility. India's 1975 World Cup hockey winner, a young intern and I, just three men in the Press Box.

I requested the authorities to relieve Mr. Kindo from Press Box duty. He was so happy. Those two days spent with Mr. Kindo are close to my heart. And also the lunch (pakhal bhaat) that I had with him at a restaurant because the food at the ground was not to my taste.

It was a game that featured, among others, WV Raman, Rahul Dravid, MV Sridhar, Robin Singh, Surendra Bhave, KIran More... @wvraman (250*) and Bhave (292) made merry.

I had enjoyable conversations with the players, and the two umpires, both great raconteurs - Subroto Porel and RT Ramachandran. But the only takeaway from the trip was meeting the hockey legend. And his stories of the 1975 triumph.

Mr. Kindo was an Arjuna Award winner. He played in the defence and was not known to play foul at all. Discipline was his forte. For his achievements, he was humble to a fault. You were kind indeed. Rest In Peace Kindo Sir !