K ARUMUGAM

Forthcoming Asia Cup in Rajgir is third time the hockey crazy country will play host to the continent’s premier championship. When it came to Delhi 36 years ago, India was expected to romp home success, but the then giants Pakistan had different ideas. Pargat Singh led young Indian team cracked under the crowd pressure to go down 0-2. As things would turn out, it was the only occasion both would play in India in the realm of Asia Cup. Once Pakistan was in the other pool in Chennai and then now it has decided to skip the Rajgir number.

Asia Cup, a joint effort by India and Pakistan, provided a perfect platform for Asian nations to showcase their skills and get the necessary international exposure, which was lacking otherwise.

Only four nations – India, Malaysia, Bangladesh and Pakistan – have taken part in all the editions held so far, 11 to be specific. Pakistan will be presenting a historical break as it has somehow in its wisdom decided not to come for the Rajgir mela.

Olympian BK Subramani being graced by the late Sultan Azlan Shah, New Delhi 1989

Korea is the most successful nation in the Asia Cup; having won the title five times out of six times they reached there. However, India’s story is different. It did well to reach the finals eight times out of possible 10 (one Asia cup was held on round robin basis and did not have any final therefore) but won only thrice.

Therefore India’s success in Chennai, where it tamed the mighty South Koreans for a record 7-2 final gains significance. This was not only the highest margin any Asia Cup had witnessed, but also, as mentioned above, the Koreans lost a final for the first and last time.

Prabhjot Singh, younger to many stalwarts in the team including giant-like Dilip Tirkey, who is now heading Hockey India, created the Tsunami like success.

Eleven teams took part, still a record, and a record 282 goals were struck. This was 17 goals more than combined tally of previous two editions (Kuala Lumpur in 2003 and 1999).

But goals were in short supply for Pargat Singh’s India in 1989 final, first time when India hosted the Asia Cup. They did not score any goal in the final, like eight before in Karachi where in the inaugural edition Pakistan outplayed India for a fluent 4-0 win. Memorable day for Pakistan.

Chennai was altogether an Asia Cup they would like to forget easily. For the first time they failed to enter medal round, losing a crucial tie to Japan.