Indian hockey in search of glory

New Delhi, Oct. 3: It is often in the worst of times that one manages to identify the strength within. The year gone by throws up no rosy tales in Indian hockey. Controversies, coupled with poor performances, have been such an integral part of the sport that at times, it is hard to fathom if all will ever be well with the national game again.

As the men and women’s squads begin their quest for a Commonwealth Games medal, the onus would clearly be on the players to break the stranglehold. The women play Scotland in their opening match on Monday, while the men take on Malaysia the day after.

Said men’s chief coach Jose Brasa, “Uncertainty is bad for any team. As coaches, we have tried our best to keep the players (away) from the controversies.

“Here in India, everyone talks about winning a gold so easily… may be they cannot get those eight Olympic golds out of their minds. But we need to have practical aims.”

India’s medal drought at the CWG in the men’s tournament highlights the high level of competition. In fact, of the 10 teams at the Delhi Games, seven — Australia, England, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, Pakistan and hosts India — were part of the Hockey World Cup in New Delhi earlier this year.
Australia have dominated hockey at the Games, winning five of the six gold medals available to date. The only one they missed out on was when the India’s women team clinched the gold at Manchester in 2002.

The Kookaburras return to their favourite hunting ground, having beaten Germany 2-1 in the World Cup final at the Major Dhyanchand National Stadium some seven months ago.

Pakistan will hope for an improved show, having finished last at the World Cup.
The Indian women have tasted success at the CWG, winning the gold and silver in 2002 and 2006, respectively.