New Indian Express: Hockey’s wins due to good support

India for once showed unwavering resolve to force a shoot-off against the mighty Australia in the Champions Trophy final in London. History shows how we wilt against them time and again. Even in the group stages in London, India lost to them. Historic it may be but the story goes beyond the silver India managed. It’s about progress — not skill. This time it is about attitude, fitness and the missing spunk.

There were vivid signs of India’s growth over the last four years after they finished last in the London Olympics. Extreme measures were taken. The team was infused with youth. Hockey went on a mending spree. Now as we stand on the threshold of another Olympics, the CT final has given us hope. For once we are certain of not languishing at the bottom of the table. Hockey India started to pump in money. They scouted the best foreign coaches. The best support staff was roped in. Salary was not an issue as a willing Sports Authority of India extended a helping hand. Right now, hockey has the highest-paid coach, after cricket, in the country. With good coaches come good training and finally, results.Two other things stood out — attitude and fitness.

Even the players believe so. With the advent of the Hockey India League, Indian players started brushing shoulders with the best in the world. As one player puts it, “Earlier we heard about them. Now we are playing with them”. So this crop of players is not scared of they face on the turf. Also, players started paying more attention to fitness. There are trainers, masseurs and physios for the team — everything a top team would have. Too much cynicism and scrutiny render achievements meaningless. Some might argue CT to be just a tournament where top teams and players were missing and where India failed to beat any team convincingly. Some might even go to the extent of saying it’s another flash-in-the-pan. But isn’t sports all about miracles and surmounting the impossible?