The Tribune: Hope of hockey double delight in Jakarta Asiad

Indervir Grewal

India poor in team events but hockey teams are No. 1 in Asia

Will India get two hockey gold medals at the Asian Games? Never before has this question been seriously asked, but this time winning two gold medals at the continental games is a strong possibility. India’s men are easily the best team in Asia and, for the first time ever, the women’s team goes into the Asian Games as the continent’s top team.
Other than hockey and kabaddi, in no other team sport does India stand a chance of winning gold at the Asian Games, which will be held in Jakarta and Palembang from August 18 to September 2.

In the men’s section, winning the title seems straightforward — at least on paper. India are world No. 5, and No. 1 in Asia. The next-ranked team is Malaysia (world No. 12), followed by Pakistan (13) and South Korea (14). India have not tasted defeat against an Asian rival since June last year, when they lost 2-3 to Malaysia. Overall, in their last nine matches, India have been beaten only twice. They won the silver medal at the very competitive Champions Trophy, finishing better than three higher-ranked teams.

“Everyone knows we’re the favourites for the Asian Games, and that gives us confidence to play every match with high voltage,” says PR Sreejesh, the captain. “We will be focussing on each match at a time and planning to make it to the semifinals and then think about reaching the final.”

Rising women

Over the last 13 months, the women’s team has become the Asian No. 1 and quite competitive at the global stage.

In July last year, India were world No. 12 — now at No. 9, they’re also Asia’s top-ranked team. Under coach Harendra Singh, India won the Asia Cup title in October last year, beating higher-ranked China and Japan. At this year’s Commonwealth Games, India beat world No. 2 England and finished fourth, and won a silver medal at the Asian Champions Trophy. The women finished eighth at the recent World Cup, winning praise for their gritty defence. Indian women have won one gold at the Asian Games, in 1982. Four years ago, they won a bronze. Now they are the favourites again — as Asia’s top team, and with good recent form. India’s men’s and women’s hockey teams have won a combined four gold from 17 previous Asian Games. They stand a great chance of adding two to the kitty.

India top Asia rankings

Women

India (world No. 9)

S Korea (world No. 10)

China (world No. 11)

Japan (world No. 14)

Men

India (world No. 5)

Malaysia (world No. 12)

Pakistan (world No. 13)

South Korea (world No. 14)

Other team sports

Kabaddi Men’s and women’s team are defending champions

Volleyball Both men’s and women’s teams are No. 8 in Asia

Basketball Women No. 5 in Asia, men No. 7 (Men’s team not being sent)