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Ashley Jackson evokes memories in India. A household name during the Hockey India League Days, he was part of many titanic clashes that the branded league had showcased in its brief existence in the last decade. One of the sought after players, Ashley got one of the highest bids, about about USD 90,000 plus for a season. The successful bidders were Ranchi Rays. He returned them the favour with a Cup victory!

The great player of times is in the news now.

Not for the first time has Great Britain/ England icon Ashley Jackson announced his decision to step out of the national senior programme. His decision, this time, comes just mere months before the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics and is one prompted by a string of injuries.

The 34-year-old striker/midfielder first had done so in 2017 after the disappointment of a ninth-place at the 2016 Rio Olympics. It led to a nearly three-year hiatus from the game he loves, but certainly not the one he loves most.

Astoundingly, one of hockey’s best ever players – perhaps of all time – loves the version of the sport on ice. He grew up watching his uncle play the game and was obsessed with skating. It was only natural that he frequented the rink, wide-eyed and perhaps with dreams of being a pro someday.

But (field) hockey was his calling and at 13, he focused on the sport in school. It led to a colourful career in the England/GB shirt and the accolades flowed profusely.

Jackson was voted FIH Young Player of the Year 2009, unprecedented for a Briton. He was also selected in the FIH World All Stars XI in 2009 and 2010.

The year 2009 itself was memorable as England/Great Britain ended decades of title drought with the European Nations title in Amstelveen – Jackson on target with a goal against The Netherlands and a brace in the final against Germany.

Those goals were among 137 he’s scored in 250 internationals for GB/England many of which went a long way to a haul of nine medals over the years. He has also represented GB in three Olympic Games – 2008 Beijing, 2012 London and 2016 Rio.

The disappointment of Rio along with the depletion of mental and physical reserves caused Jackson to take a sabbatical from the sport and he sought to re-charge his batteries with a return to his first love – ice hockey.

But he reportedly was drawn back to his second-love in the wake of the FIH Pro League, his return apparently catalysed by a call from Paul van Ass, coach of HGC who wanted him back at the Dutch club in 2018. Jackson eventually returned to the GB side in 2020.

Indian fans were treated to Jackson’s skills and prowess in the 2010 New Delhi World Cup where he helped England to fourth place. He also captained Ranchi Rays to their second Hockey India League (HIL) title in 2015 and his tenure at the franchise helped, as was the case in Britain, develop many a young Indian player.

An attacking midfielder he brings to fore a repertoire of skills including a lethal ability at the drag-flick, the most potent of all on a hockey pitch.

Jackson has been quoted as saying that he hasn’t exactly said goodbye to an England/GB shirt and that can only be good news for his many fans around the world.

ASHLEY JACKSON FACT FILE

Years/ Club/ Matches

2003–2008/ East Grinstead

2008–2010 HGC

2010–2015 East Grinstead

2015–2016 Holcombe

2015–2017 Ranchi Rays

2016–2018 East Grinstead

2018–2019 HGC

2019–date Old Georgians

Olympics: 2008 Beijing, 2012 London, 2016 Rio

World Cup: 2010 New Delhi, 2014 The Hague