K ARUMUGAM

As curtains came down for the men’s hockey at Hangzhou, it has definitely ushers in a new dawn for  Indian hockey, which used to be in a perpetual state of identity crisis. With an expected dominant show, Harmanpreet Singh’s superbly fit Indian team outplayed the defending champions Japan for a heartwarming 5-1 win the final to lift the Asian Games gold for fourth time. A perception change of Indian hockey is much in order.

The emphatic 5-1 victory is sweeter than the previous three golden occasions for many reasons; foremost is the way it was achieved. At Bangkok (1966) it was a solitary goal whereas tie-breaker and shoot our brought the 1998 (Bangkok) & 2014 (Incheon) glories, respectively.

Superb fitness, tactical excellence, patience and persistence brought India to glory when it needed most, to prove the Tokyo success is not a fluke. India is steadily on rise.

Manpreet goal in the Asiad final

For the losers today Japan, they offered a resistance till the halftime before running out of steam, unable to handle superbly fit and marauding Indians.

What of course changed course when the things were going on equal keel was the goal struck by most unlikely of player from Indian side — Manpreet Singh.

It was Manpreet’s opportunism that changed the course for the Indians. The former captain, known for his midfield excellence, was least expected to give India the lead, especially she just failed to push the ball in in a close opportunity in a melee. He now made huge amends. Receiving a fast but eluding ball on the edge of the circle, whacked a blinder that whistled past the goalkeeper (1-0).

A huge Indian crowd that thronged the stadium, and also about 100 stars from the Asiad Indian contingent electrified, the goal sent them in shrill. ‘Jeetega India’ riverbrated all across the stands.

Dominating India of course changed sides with 1-0 lead.

Once the lead was taken it was only time to consolidate. It was captain now who converted team’s penalty corner (2-0) within two minutes into the other side.

India wins gold in style at Hangzhou, each one of the team contributed immensely to the success

Indian team was in full control now, with each move threatening the tiring Japanese circle. India went up again.

This credit went to Amit Rohidas, who stepped into take a penalty corner after two Indian tries went abegging.

Amit, always a trier, placed the ball into the top of the net with a flight that would delight even the rivals (3-0). The substantial lead obtained in the six minutes after half time was giving enough clue which side the wind was blowing in Gonshu Sports Park.

The success would not have been possible without the strike power of Abhishek. He has to strike and take his credit in the over all success. As if to understand his significance, the story striker unleashed his patented reverse in the 48th minute to take India to an unassailable lead of 4-0.

Around the time, the Japanese launched a counter attack that yielded their first penalty corner. As the negotiated ball hit the knee of charging Manpreet Singh, they got another opportunity of which Japan jersey No.5 (Seren Takana) did not let go (4-1). Abhishek too wears the same jersey no.!

Nine minutes left for the Japanese if they would like to do any further damage and derive some consolation. It was not to be, instead the woes continued.

Harmanpreet Singh took a fierce shot in a penalty corner drill a minute before the hooter, the force of which was such that it ought to find home, which it did after bouncing from left side the net. So elated was Harmanpreet that he lept in to sky with thumping and then bent fully on the turf punching it vigorously.

He was there on the turf to do all these, all Indians would have done in their way in front of the sets.

His celebration of the fifth goal of India is the iconic Hangzhou moment of India.

PATH TO GOLD

Beat Uzbekistan 16-0

beat Singapore 16-1

Bear Japan 4-2

Beat Pakistan 10-2

Beat Bangladesh 12-0

Beat South Korea 5-3 (SF)

Beat Japan 5-1 (Final)