World hockey needs India and Pakistan’s resurgence: Jamie Dwyer

PTI

NEW DELHI: Erstwhile heavyweights India and Pakistan’s resurgence is important for world hockey and there could be “nothing better for the game when they play good”, says Australia’s inspirational captain Jamie Dwyer.

Dwyer was impressed by the two side’s showings in the recently-concluded Champions Trophy in Australia.

“I hope India and Pakistan keep improving and keep making semi-finals of big tournaments. They were disappointing at the Olympics this year but we saw here (in Melbourne) that how good they can be,” Dwyer said in an exclusive interview from Melbourne.

“When India and Pakistan are good there is nothing better for the game. The game becomes so exciting because the amount of following in those countries is huge. I want hockey in those countries to do really well.

“It is pleasing to see them making the semi-finals. How they played the game here is more attractive,” he said.

Both India and Pakistan had started the tournament as underdogs. While Pakistan claimed the bronze medal, India had to be content with a creditable fourth-place finish.

Dwyer, who guided the Kookaburras to their record fifth straight Champions Trophy title, was full of praise for the Sardar Singh-led Indian outfit.

“They (India) had real belief in their game. They had a couple of players who were exceptional. They seemed to click on occasions. They didn’t play too good against us in the semi-finals but I haven’t seen India play like this since (Dhanraj) Pillay was in the team back in early 2000,” he said.

“They were very skillful, played very tough hockey. If they keep on doing this more often they will make the semi-finals of major competitions,” Dwyer observed.

“India has to have belief in their structure and in the way they are playing. The way they played in the Champions Trophy it seems they really had that belief and seemed very structured. They all knew what they were doing, which is a good thing.”

Dwyer, who won the FIH World Player of the Year award a record five times, is one of the marque players of the inaugural Hockey India League, the player’s auction of which will take place here on Sunday.

Asked about the six-team franchise based league, the 33-year-old legend said: “HIL is going to be awesome for Indian hockey. The youngsters are not just going to see and play against the best Indian players but the best players in the world.

“They can learn from someone like Moritz Furste or myself. They can learn different styles from different players. Hopefully, the sport keeps growing there (in India).”

Talking about the HIL players’ auction where he will be present in person, Dwyer hoped to get picked up by the Mumbai franchise, which will be coached by current Australia coach Ric Charlesworth.

“I told Ric that I would like to go to Mumbai but I don’t know what his plans are. I also like Delhi, I had some good times out there during the World Cup and Commonwealth Games. I have no idea where I am going but hope to go to a good team.”

Dwyer has got every title under its belt with the Kokkaburras, but missed out on his second Olympic gold in London this year where Australia finished third.

With age not on his side, Dwyer knows another shot at the Olympics is highly unlikely, but he plans to end his career on a high.

“I don’t think so (playing in 2016 Olympics). I will just concentrate on the next two years and get through the World Cup and the Commonwealth Games and then after that I will reassess my career,” said the striker, who was part of Australia’s gold medal winning side in the 2004 Athens Olympics.

“I am getting a bit older I know but I really enjoy testing myself and see how good I am. I just try to keep improving all the time. I just try to give the best I can. I like to challenge myself,” Dwyer signed off.