K. ARUMUGAM
In India’s 96 years Olympic hockey history, only three players have figured in a record 4 Olympics: Leslie Claudius (1948 to 1960), Udham Singh (1952 to 1964) and Dhanraj Pillay (1992 to 2004). Former India captains PR Sreejesh and Manpreet Singh will join the elite group when they step in on the historic Yvus-du-Manoir stadium in Paris.
Udham Singh, a game changer
However, its is for the first time two players will be figuring in their fourth Olympics together, PR Sreejesh & Manpreet Singh.
The duo has another distinction: They had already led an Olympic side whereas Udham Singh and Dhanraj Pillay, though deserved, never get the honour at Olympics. This is something peculiar about the Indian hockey where at times even a first timer get to head the Olympic team, but not the four timers!
Udham Singh actually could have played in a record FIVE Olympics had he not been injured in 1948. He was then representing Faridkot hockey team.
Dhanraj Pillay almost did not make it his fourth Olympics when he was not included in the 2004 Olympic Qualifier which created a havoc. The media frenzy, the IOA and the street protests resulted in him making it to the Athens number.
Leslie, the legend
There are many who could have easily played their fourth Olympics but missed by a whisker.
This list includes Balbir Singh Sr., goalie Shankar Laxman and Hari Pal Kaushik, Ajit Pal Singh (he played CT in 1980!), Dilip Tirkey.
Balbir Singh Sr has often stated in his biography and in interviews that he was as fit as he was in Melbourne where he led India to sixth Olympic title. However, the Indian Hockey Federation headed by his institution head Ashwini Kumar made him one of the three selectors for the 1960 Rome Olympics team!
Laxman, it is said, skipped Mexico as he made a condition to lead the side which was not met. The letter he has sent to the then IHF is still available. The case is same with Hari Pal Kaushik, who was perennial vice-captain of India but was never made to climb that one crucial step ahead. Hurt, the Army officer too skipped Mexico.
PR Sreejesh and Manpreet Singh during 2012 Olympic preparation camp
Dilip Tirkey, present head of Hockey India, missed his fourth, as India did not qualify for the 2008 number after he led the side only second in the Chile Olympic Qualifier when only the winner was to get the Beijing ticket.
Pic: A rare photo shot by me when the epoch making Manpreet and PR Sreejesh were in the 2012 Olympic camp being held in Delhi.