Merely two days are over in the seventh BSNL Asia Cup, but the proceedings do no not endear the hockey aficionados. Out of 10 matches held so far, 8 of them were one-sided. The victory margin in those 8 matches stretched from 6 to 20 goals, which gives a fair idea of where the Asian hockey is heading, or exactly not heading. Except the rise of China, things remain stagnant as it was in the past many decades.
Though one can appreciate their readiness to take part in the premier championship, countries like Singapore, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong – which is almost of half of the field here — do not seem to have improved their competition worthiness over the years. Even Bangladesh, which was once a force to reckon with in Asia seem to head downwards.
It’s no surprise in the obtaining scenario that the talk of world records being chased, and such stuff dominate the media moods, something akin to 2003 Pan American Games where the host Dominican Republic established at least three dubious records at Santo Domingo
First record was made when Argentina defeated Dominican Rep. 30-0 in the tournament opener. It broke the long standing record of 24-1 held by India (Los Angles Olympics against the hosts in 1932 Olympics). On the second playing day, Chile posted 25 goals and then USA completed the humiliation with 23 unanswered goals against the hosts. Statistically, three of four recorded world’s greatest defeats were witnessed in three matches. (For more details and analysis of this and the FIH’s reaction, please refer pages 140-142 f hockey year book 2006). Expectedly, it became the fourth highest margin of defeat. So, in three matches in three days, three records of dubious variety had been created.
Matches of this nature do no good for the cause of hockey.
What we witness at the Asia Cup at Chennai too comes in this category. Bangladesh defeats Thailand 13-0, but goes down 6-0 to China. 16-0, 20-0 are some of the other scores, or sores.
Recently at Manchester Euro Nations’ Cup Czech proved to be the whipping boy. But in the Europe it is an exception whereas in Asia the reverse is true.
The weak hockey nations of our continents it appears do not get proper tournaments to test their true preparedness. Except an odd visit of Malaysia to China or Japan, not many countries interact competitively. South East Asia truly has many factors favouring bilateral contacts, important being, common transport corridors, same level of team strength. It is time these countries meet often and develop an atmosphere of hockey in their countries and in the progress grow. Asian Hockey Federation should play a vital role in facilitating such bi-laeral contacts that has got Europe a strong hockey bock.
Will the AHF devote their time and energy to debate this vital issue when they meet here later this week in the AGM is a moot point.