72 years ago Indian hockey obtained its third Olympic hockey gold at Berlin. The final between India and the hosts were scheduled to play in the evening of 14th, August 1936, but due to rain it was played in the morning of next day, which 11 years later would attain its political Independence.

This was past. What was the latest?

On 15th August, on India’s 58th Independence Day, at Athens Olympics in 2004, India got an opportunity to improve its sagging morale. Despite having just a win and a draw, India got an opportunity to play for 5-8 position and the rival was Pakistan.

India had been defeating Pakistan regularly till then. Twice in the Afro-Asian Games, final of the Asia Cup, a 7-4 drubbing at the Champions Trophy, were all there.

Yet, the team that had veterans like Dilip Tirkey, Dhanraj Pillay and Baljit Singh Dhillon, flopped. It was a lackluster match to say the least. India failed to bring cheers on that historic day.

If India was at that situation there, despite winning four out of six tournaments played in the previous year, some people who were responsible for bringing India to that pass, has to ask themselves some questions.

A coach at his manipulative best broke the team spirit by taking half the team to a tournament in Kuala Lumpur. Whatever reasons behind the tour, this was a lethal first step aimed at spoiling our Olympics chances.

A group of Olympian stooges who were part of the decision to change a coach at the eleventh hour and agreeing to take novices like Adam Sinclair in the team

An Olympian player ready to be part of the coaching team a month before the start of the Olympics, knowing well such sudden intrusion will upset the rhythm of existing coaching staff.

We are not bothered whether a Rajinder Singh Sr. was sidelined, and a foreign coach was thrust in at utterly wrong time, but only its impact on hockey.

All those who are responsible for Athens fiasco, as reflected our shameful defeat to Pakistan on our Independence Day, are almost back in the business with the new set up now controlling our hockey affairs.

We only pray, at least now onwards, they will acquire shreds of patriotism in their deeds.

Jai Bharat.