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HOCKEY'S RENAISSANCE
'Chak de, India' !
Narendra Batra
After decades of
chequered existence
and legal turmoil, the
Indian hockey's
renaissance appears to
have taken a positive
shape with N.K.Batra at the helm of
affairs in Hockey India. The national
body suffered several hiccups
before settling to run hockey in the
country with zeal and care. There
are positive signs of progress and
happiness. Indian hockey players with the Asian Champions Trophy after defeating Pakistan. India lifted the Asian Champions Trophy eliminating Pakistan 3-2 in the final in late October. The same day, juniors also shone beating Germany 5-2 to win the four nations International Hockey Championship in Valencia. The officials of HI, particularly foreign coaches are determined and focused that they would not the surrender momentum. The transparency is the watch word in HI. The players, coaches and support staff have been suitably awarded and rewarded. There is perect harmony in the Indian hockey camp.
Roeland Oltmans
After a long gap, India made to
three finals in leading tournaments.
India were runners-up in the Sultan
Azlan Shah Cup and also entered the finest coaches in theory and
practical say that bench strength
has increased. The boys are
enthusiastic, keen and committed to
serve the country. Every one is
waiting to grab a chance to express
his talent and prowess. India has come out of 'living in the past'. The
players of all ages have been able to
understand that hockey is a team
discipline in which individual
display of dribbling and hanging on
the ball are a sure signs of
committing suicide. The indication
are that the chief coach would
continue working with the boys for
sufficient time
Rupinder Pal Singh India rolled over in initial matches, faced some problems against Pakistan, Korea and Malaysia before coming on terms with themselves. India were trailing against Korea with only five minutes when Sardar Singh woke up to show that he was still 'sardar'. He scored a gem of goal in exacting conditions. In the final against Pakistan, he was instrumental in India scoring second and third goals. He was rightly presented the 'man of the final' award. The man of the tournament, Rupinder Pal Singh, a drag-flick ace, saw India get 3-2. For him, Malaysia was a happy, hunting venue where he had always done something unique. According to critics, India's credit to win the title emerged from a new bond players and coaches had struck. "Th team's unity was the cause of India's successful stint", said Rupinder. Anecdote:
Deepija Thakur
Affan Yousuf deflected a through
ball past custodian, Amjad Ali, to
score second goal in the 23rd
minute of the final, his effort saw
India beat Pakistan. All Bhopal
celebrated because he belonged to
Bhopal, once of the key centres in
Indian hockey.
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