A new chapter in India’s tryst with hockey

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India’s tryst with hockey is a type of enduring sporting legends that by no means go away, even when the ravages of time and actuality have made it a nostalgic, nearly legendary, story from an period lengthy forgotten. Eight Olympic gold medals, six of them in consecutive Video games, are sure to have a protracted shelf life. However as hockey advanced over the previous 5 a long time, and Indian hockey failed to vary with the instances, reminiscences of the glory days grew to become extra a burden than a supply of encouragement for the gamers, and the record of milestones failed to supply any context in regards to the current and the longer term to followers. Such was the lot of Indian hockey that there was no hope, not even the glimmer of 1, as the game spiralled into mismanagement, corruption, and apathy. It was as if the administration, content material with milking the previous, had rejected the concept of ever trying ahead once more.

However lots has modified within the final 4 years. Most of it by easy however vital issues — assist for grassroots programmes, constructing new amenities, deeper expertise hunts and training schemes, an infusion of funds and amenities — and the Odisha authorities should be given credit score for being the driving drive for lots of those interventions. At first, a number of good outcomes began to spark hope — India gained the 2017 Asia Cup, then beat Belgium, Australia, Netherlands and at last reigning Olympic champions Argentina within the 2020-21 FIH Professional League. After which, there was fulfilment of the promise when India did the hitherto unthinkable by profitable an Olympic medal, a bronze that was price a number of golds, at Tokyo final yr.

So right here we are actually. Firstly of a hockey World Cup in India, and the primary in not less than 40 years the place the nationwide group might be thought of real contenders for a podium spot. The final time was in 1982, when the event was hosted in Mumbai two years after the final of these eight Olympic golds at Moscow 1980. Sadly, they completed fifth.

India have gained the World Cup solely as soon as — in 1975 at Kuala Lumpur — and have by no means completed increased than fifth after that. This time, at Odisha 2023, the indicators are trying good. Although Belgium and Australia would be the strongest contenders, and Netherlands and England no pushovers, the Indian group have an excellent mix of youth and expertise. Captain Harmanpreet Singh, 27, is the principle objective menace. Manpreet Singh and PR Sreejesh are veterans. 23-year-old Abhishek is the all-round attacker whereas Mandeep Singh, 27, is usually readily available to offer important fourth quarter objectives. Hardik Singh’s relentless work charge gives the group with the engine it wants within the midfield, and Amit Rohidas’s rush throughout penalty corners is simply as important. The high-energy type of hockey advocated by coach Graham Reid ensures that the group continues to have a go on the opposition always.

India have scarcely gone right into a event with a lot driving on it. Regardless of the outcomes of Friday’s recreation, the following two weeks will decide how the game has pushed on after the Olympic medal — whether or not India are genuinely in the midst of a hockey renaissance, and what extra must be accomplished to begin scripting a brand new sporting legend.