Times of India: If Indian hockey has a home, it’s here, it’s here

By Pravin Kumar

LUCKNOW: If Indian colts played like lions, the power came from the stands. While the world title was alluring enough, to ensure that there was not a moment of slowdown, over 18,000 spectators kept them charged through their lung power. Literally.

Dhyanchand Stadium, about 10km from the city centre, was packed to the capacity on Sunday. And there were thousand others- thankful for being allowed in—who remain standing without any complaint throughout the 70-minute high-voltage game. If there is any doubt which place deserves to be known as the home to Indian hockey, it is now settled.

The standard of hockey in UP may have fallen several notches – in 1981, the Indian team for junior world cup had 10 players from the state, this time there is just one – the people’s love for the game seems eternal. It got ignited when the juniors felled the mighty Kangaroos to make it to the title clash.

The state capital was in the grip of hockey fever since Friday’s semi-final against Australians. Before that, though India’s matches would attract decent crowd, others found few takers. However, the Indian juggernaut galvanised the hockey fans of the city, and there was a capacity crowd cheering Germans when they sank Australians for the bronze.
All the tickets for the final match were sold out by Saturday and hockey aficionados — most of them well-connected in their own way — started trying all kinds of back-door tricks to get the right to witness history being recreated.
As a result, as the day progressed on Sunday, all roads in the city were heading for Guru Gobind Singh Sports College. While ticket-holders were feeling privileged, those who couldn’t get it also trooped in to take a chance. By 4 pm, the college had taken the semblance of a rally ground with people coming from all directions.

Outside the stadium, the Tricolour was being sold at a premium and face painters were charging a bomb for just three strokes. But there was no dearth of customers, readying themselves with the ‘warpaint’.

Bajiro’s war cry ‘Bajne de dhadak dhadak’ being played inside the stadium just before the start of the match set a vociferous pitch that never dimmed a bit for the next one and a half hours.

The boys in blue reciprocated in equal measure, scoring twice in the first 22 minutes. Thereafter, their every move was cheered and each counter attack received a deafening applause. For Belgians, it was an unequal war. They tried to measure up by withdrawing their goalkeeper Loic Van Doren and putting all 11 into attack in final moments, but that was too little, too late.

Elated by the success of the 10-day event, chief minister Akhilesh Yadav said such events inculcate sports culture and inspire budding players. One wishes his words come true and hockey regains its glory in its home.