HOCKEY, like all other disciplines, was adversely impacted by the US-led boycott of the 1980 Olympic Games. Due to the absence of many leading teams, it was widely believed that India just needed to turn up in Moscow to win the men-s hockey gold. Circumstances had pitchforked me into the Indian team for the first time. In jest, my friends suggested the team seek asylum in a safe haven abroad in case we fell short!

Coach Balkrishn Singh had put the team through the wringer in a training camp at Bangalore. Gravel grounds that were hard and fast had been prepared for our training sessions. With no artificial surface in India, these gravel grounds came closest to polygrass, which was the surface to play on in Moscow. A systematic conditioning program ensured that the team were fit and raring to go.