Mir Ranjan exorcises ghosts of the past

NEW DELHI: Mir Ranjan Negi was at the Dhyan Chand stadium on Monday to watch the India-South Africa game. This was only his second visit to this venue, after that infamous 1982 Asian Games final between India and Pakistan which India lost 1-7.

Negi was the goalkeeper in that match. Since that fateful day, he has always avoided coming. “I came here only once before, during the shooting of Chak De India. The old structure was in place then. They have really converted it into a grand venue, at par with the best in the world. It’s an unbelievable feeling to be here, so many things come into the mind immediately.” His eyes filled up.

“But it would have been great had India performed a little better. I think our defence has been a problem. They have let in easy goals. There has been some change in the team’s approach, but it will take some more time to match world standards,” he added