The harbinger of a new dawn?
S. Thyagarajan

THE MEN WHO MATTERED: Physical trainer David John deserves a special salute for elevating the fitness level of the Indian players, while coach Michael Nobbs succeeded in zeroing in on fresh talent and shuffling the skilful seniors.

“Cricket-0, Hockey-hero” proclaimed the placard. The message mirrored the mood of the nation on Sunday when India returned to the Olympic zone.

Much to the delight and relief of millions of fans, India emphatically proved that its hockey image and identity remain intact.

The 8-1 victory over France was majestic. Never in recent memory has there been such a resounding result in a final. The euphoria generated is understandable.

India’s success sequence was striking. It won all six matches; totalled 44 goals averaging 7+ a match.

Sandeep Singh was the hero. With a tally of 16 goals (15 penalty corners and one stroke), he stood head and shoulders, literally and figuratively, above all.

In this hour of jubilation, the silent, sincere and splendid work of Australian coach Michael Nobbs must be applauded.

A messiah

Even assuming his role in India winning the inaugural Asian Champions Trophy at Ordos was an aberration, the task achieved in New Delhi in charting the route to London makes Nobbs a messiah.

Professional to the core, his grasp of Indian hockey, including the endemic politics and endless polemics, is phenomenal.

Thrown into the job amidst administrative chaos, the Aussie succeeded in zeroing in on fresh talent, endeavoured to sift and shuffle the skilful seniors, marshalled his facts realistically to make the selectors agree to his logic in picking the squad.

How did Nobbs manage a transformation within months? The same nucleus remains. Yet there is a noticeable vibrancy in the attack not witnessed in recent years. The goals netted testify this.

Trapping has also shown marked improvement. One-touch passes, a rarity these days, have come back. The renowned Indian artistry has acquired new polish. A conscious effort seems to have been made to curtail needless dribbling and running. Every move looked measured, meaningful and result oriented.

Physical trainer David John deserves a special salute for elevating the fitness level of players. That was very visible throughout.

The reward for a coach comes from the response of his wards. In this case, everyone was magnificent. Sardar Singh, who received special attention from former Indian centre-half Riaz, one of the coaching crew, is now reckoned as world class.

Outstanding

Sunil was outstanding with his sinuous runs and breath-taking centres. The seasoned Tushar Khandker and Shivendra Singh shone in their approach work, with support from Danish Mujtaba, Sarvanjit and Gurinder Chandi.

The contribution from youngsters Uthappa and Kothajit Singh in the mid-field needs appreciation. Admittedly, a wee bit of sting was lost in the attack due to injury to the hugely talented Yuvaraj Walmiki.

In the halo surrounding Sandeep, Sardar and Sunil, the performance of Sreejesh, especially in the final, cannot be masked. He weathered the storm of the French attack heroically, albeit for a brief period, in the second half.

Accolades and rewards are pouring in. These cannot blur realities. Genuine fear surfaces over poor work in the defence. As many as nine goals were conceded, one or two in every match.

Nobbs’s job is not any easier when it comes to strengthening the defence. None knows it more than he that competition in the Olympics is vastly different.

The players should be made aware that Australia, Germany, Great Britain and the Netherlands do not allow so much space on the field as happened in Delhi. The essence lies in speed and coordination for creating space in a split second to slip through.

For all the fluency displayed, India frittered away several chances. If catalogued they might be substantial.

The outcome, therefore, was not without its negative factors. Nobbs and his crew of Riaz and Lobo have a lot to do.

The OQ victory signals a new dawn. Will the administrators take the cue and enhance the marketing potential of hockey?