Fourteen years ago on this day India played the second successive Commonwealth Games final at Melbourne, Australia. Led by impact making medio Sumrai Tete, India beat their old nemesis New Zealand in the Semifinal, pint-size Surinder Kaur striking the solitary goal of the match. The stage was set for repeat Manchester.

Indian girls were the defending champions at Melbourne, having won a scintiallating quarterfinal and final through extra time golden goal at Manchester four years ago.

The Melbourne hockey stadium was full what with the hosts, who won the inaugural Gold at Kuala Lumpur, was all out to regain its status of being the World No.1 team which it was then. Australia lost to England at Manchester.

India team had a roller coaster roll, having drawn South Africa 2-2 in the league and losing to Australia tamely in the opener (2-4).

But the final was a different cup of tea. India went full stream, stunning the hosts on their forte: speed and ball control. Indian game was praiseworthy because it had to rest two key players, captain Sumrai and centre-forward Sunita Kullu, who were injured.

Half-time score was nil nil.

In the second half, coach MK Kaushik faced dilemma as couple of others too had sustained injuries. Perhaps thinking a half-fit Sumrai is as good as any player, she was fielded with moderate success. struggling India came in for handy for their rivals. Australia struck a late goal to win second of their CWG Gold but they were stretched by the never-say-die Indian girls.

In the 62nd minute Australia’s Sarah Taylor smashed a ball into the circle after intercepting a fumbled clearance from Indian defence, allowing captain Nikky Hudson to deflect a shot past the Indian goalkeeper Helen Mary for the winning goal.

Australian coach Murray was ecstatic at the marvellous goal.

The strength of the Indian team was Coach Kaushik’s belief on tribal power. Most of the 16 member team were from the Odisha-Jharkhand belt. They all lived upto the expectations.

Its not gold but Silver was no less for a team that was preparing for the year’s World Cup and the Asian Games.

Its 2002 and 2006 Commonwealth Games’ success story that prompted Jaideep Sahni to script Chak De India, having stayed with the team during camp for about three months, and in constant discussion with M K Kaushik.

The most successful of sports film, Chak De India was released a year after Melbourne. Actually, most climax scenes were shot at Melbourne!

However, when the team returned there was no euphoria back in India contrary to what one witnessed in 2002. Indians don’t consider Silver medal a worthy of celebration!

The fact of the matter is that India did not reach the semis in the next two outings, and did not turn up with bronze even when it did so at the latest edition in Gold Coast.

Pics:
(Top)Melbourne CWG Silver winning Indian women’s hockey team
(Above))Captain Sumrai Tete receiving prestigious Dhyan Chand Award at the hands of President of India.