The Indian Hockey Team can't afford to be complacent
The Indian Hockey Team can't afford to be complacent
While the Indian hockey team made a controversial entry into the year 2010, thanks to their off field strike due to delayed payments, they promise to finish the year on a high given the vast on-field improvement they've shown.
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Few would have even followed the national hockey team's fortunes after their none-too-impressive showing in the FIH World Cup in New Delhi three months ago, where they finished eighth in the 12-match event.
However, the game's administrators -- despite the mess they are in over the delay in holding elections et al -- did well to cut the flab by replacing some unproductive seniors with fresh blood and the results are already there for all to see.
New Delhi plays host to the Commonwealth Games this year (October 3-14) followed by the all-important Asian Games (November 12-27). Important because it was here four years ago that the national game began it's downward descent and hasn't looked up since.
India failed to finish on the podium in Doha, thereby cancelling their automatic qualification for the Beijing Olympics unless they won a six-nation qualification tournament in Santiago, Chile. They didn't, and failed to qualify for the Olympics for the first time in 80 years.
The Azlan showing however has breathed fresh hope. Though rain played spoilsport in yesterday's final and India had to share the winner's trophy with South Korea, there's no denying the fact that Spanish coach Jose Brasa's young and inexperienced Men in Blue were the best side in the seven-nation competition. Back-to-back victories over Pakistan (4-2), South Korea (3-2) and World Champions Australia (4-3) proved that this young team can deliver the goods against the best in the business. However, India hockey's perennial problem of resting on its laurels came to the fore in Ipoh too when they lost 2-5 to Malaysia -- this after beating the Pakistanis, Koreans and Aussies. Fortunately, they had an easy hurdle to overcome in Egypt to make it to the final. But fate is not always merciful and that's why this young side should work even harder if they are to come up with a good show at the CWG 2010 and Guangzhou Asiad.
Of course it's up to the administrators to ensure this lot sticks together and is also allowed to wield their sticks together.
The men who mattered for india!
Tushar Khandekar
For once, Khandekar got the opportunity to play in his preferred position in the forwardline, and the kind of success he enjoyed proves that he was wasted in the midfield. His tally of five goals should ensure that his agonising days as a mid-fielder convert are over.
Sardar Singh
Sardar, marshalled the defence with aplomb and was key in the centre. Having shown some flashes of brilliance at the World Cup in Delhi, Sardar made amends by winning the Player of the Tournament award in Ipoh. It was a fine tourney for India, who scored 21 goals in six matches.
Dhananjay Mahadik
Mahadik, was a pillar of strength in defence. The army lad made his presence felt in the striking zone too. The highlight of his performance was his hat-trick against Egypt in India's 7-1 win. Being on the periphery for a long time, Mahadik is making the most of his opportunities.
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