The semi-finals of this tournament were a Greek tragedy with a difference! This time the Gods were poignant.
The teams that played better hockey than their much fancied opponents did not make it to the finals.
In the first, the Army XI made the star studded IOC sweat for every paisa hiked in the petroleum products. Tenacious, gritty and twice taking the lead, the ‘faujis’ with the support of the crowds were outstanding in their ‘lion-hearted’ display’. At the hooter they received the applause than IOC that ultimately made it to the finals. The score- card, even for the record , will never be able to explain the valiant efforts of the Army-men. Post the match, the Army coaches admitted that their tactical ploy of their forwards marking the opponent’s forwards did not take off. Neither did they have any regrets looking at the positives that emerged in the play of their lads.
As for the second, it had the build-up of a big match, the steely Air India taking on the Indian Overseas Bank- the local champions who almost missed out on being invited by the organizers. The Banker’s coach did strategise with his strategies almost succeeding. The strikers interchanged flanks as in the ‘total football’ method of Holland’s Cryuff (exhibited v/s Germany in the memorable 1974 FIFA World Cup finals). For some time the Air Indians were almost grounded. But their experience keeping them in good stead ensuring them a place in the finals. ‘Competitions we are told separates the ‘boys from the men’. Post the match however the ‘Boys’ were smiling. The ‘Men’ heaving a sigh of relief for making it to the finals trudging back to their dressing room.
The score-card also does not tell us of the injury and ill-health of two key IOB players.
Noteworthy is the manner in which the boys were so calm and composed in trapping & clearing in the ‘D’ in the midst of a goalmouth melee or a penalty corner and counterattacking with a verve that belied their youth.
It would be callous on our part not to highlight IOB goal keeper Sreejeesh’s work under the bar. Whilst his effervescent team mates attired in golden yellow were like ‘the golden daffodils fluttering and dancing amongst the vales and hills of the Air Indian ranks’, this 183 cms. tall goalie kept the enemy at bay, tirelessly, with aplomb and grace. But for him the score would have been a double digit whammy.
And as the sun dipped into the Indian Ocean, so did the hearts of the onlookers.
If the MCC organisers kept the Bank men’s entry in abeyance till the ‘last minute’, came the news of the same team seeded into the quarterfinals of the Gurmit Memorial Vohra Invitation Tournament to be held shortly in Chandigarh, giving credence to the reality check that only a ‘jeweller knows the value of gold’!