Indains Hockey band got the way for Olympics 2012
This is Modern age Indian hockey game. Gone are the long time when hockey players entertained crews with stick wizardry, sweet dribbling and appease passing. That is part of a few ancient, romantic folklore! Afresh chapter is being composed – calculated moves, tough tackling, sheer speed, fast-growing physical channelizes and squeeze play are accustomed checkmate opponents and beat them in their own game.
The Indian men’s hockey team on Sunday proved that they are no longer intimidated by their European opponents. Even as his side recorded an emphatic 8-1 victory over France at the Major Dhyan Chand stadium to book its place in the 2012 Olympics.
India played like winners! Penalty-corner specialist Sandeep Singh was India’s star of the night, scoring five goals and his second hat-trick against France. The other Indian scorers were Birendra Lakra , S V Sunil and V R Raghunath the French kept testing their patience with rough physical play.
Much credit has to be given to coach Michael Nobbs for turning the side around. Unlike his predecessors, the Australian hasn’t tinkered with the so-called ‘outdated’ Indian style of hockey. He played a vital role as he kept players fresh by never giving them more than seven minutes on the trot. His message was simple — shape up or ship out!
“I have no words to describe this victory. Today, I feel very proud to be an India hockey player. The best part of this victory is that the players played a very unselfish brand of hockey. Traditionally, Indian hockey is known to be individualistic. But credit for this change in approach must go to new coach Michael Nobbs,” Former Indian Olympian Dhanraj Pillay said while talking to Mid-Day.
Singapore was no opposition while Italy were overawed by the big stage. Poland did not give glimpses of the old side which grieved India at the Olympics. Canada looked to be the only worthy challengers, but their mistake of losing to Poland in the league game proved costly. That gave India a chance to choose their opponents for the final. A 6-2 victory in the league match worked like an energy booster for the host team. The final was over even before it began.
Nobbs added that his targets were long term. “Qualifying for the Olympics was very important for the Indian team. But is only a good start. My main goal is after five years. In that time I want the team to be confident of a podium finish,” he said.
