Times of India: 2015: A year to remember for Indian hockey

DELHI: When India came from behind to stun the Netherlands in the penalty shootout to claim the bronze in the Hockey World League earlier this month, the men’s team had broken a long standing jinx. This was India’s first medal in an International Hockey Federation event in 33 years – the previous one coming in 1982 when they beat Pakistan to claim the Champions Trophy bronze.

It was a great way to end the year by a team which saw several memorable moments on the field and a few controversial ones off it. Seven months back, in May, controversy arose when the chief coach Paul van Ass did not return to resume his job following India’s fourth-place finish in the Hockey World League Semifinals in Antwerp, Belgium. This was triggered by the coach’s spat with Hockey India president Narinder Batra. Hockey India soon formed a panel which recommended van Ass’ removal.

Just after the van Ass episode, another scandal hit the sport. Gurbaj Singh was accused by one of the assistant coaches that he had flouted team discipline. This led to the suspension of the player for nine months. The ban, however, was subsequently revoked after Gurbaj moved court.

Apart from these off-field dramas, India had a fruitful outing on the turf throughout the year. They came third in the Azlan Shah tournament in Malaysia before winning a 4-match test series against Japan 3-0. They had a successful tour of Europe where they played Test series in France and Spain. India won four out of five matches on that tour. They lost their only match to Spain.

In October, India had a successful tour of New Zealand where they came from behind to take the four-match series 2-1. India also beat World’s No.1 team Australia in Chattisgarh, venue of the Hockey World League, and did well to draw the three-match series 1-1. The high point for the team was that it rose from No. 9 to No.6.

Special year for women’s team

It was a memorable year for the women’s team too, who booked an Olympic berth, the first for them since the 1980 Moscow Olympics. Ranked No. 13 in the world, the Indian women raised the bar just enough to book their berth.

Colts make it even better

The colts showed their class in the junior men’s Asia Cup in November outplaying their opponents in all the matches to win the title in style. After a fine show in the league matches and the semifinals, the team saved its best for the final where they beat Pakistan 6-2.