Issue :   
December 2016 Edition of Power Politics is updated.  Happy Diwali to all our subscribers and Distributors       December 2016 Edition of Power Politics is updated.   Happy Diwali to all our subscribers and Distributors       
Issue:December' 2016

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.
A no nonsense person, Batra joined the Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) as a treasurer to gain experience in Indian sports fraternity. His entry in the DDCA came through Arun Jaitley, who was president of the state cricket body. He resigned from the DDCA to devote all his energy, time and effort to the welfare of the hockey, which was struggling for fresh breeze.

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
After waiting for dark and dreary five years, India are the comeback kings in Asia. Playing with an added valour, verve and determination, Indians translated deficit and shocked traditional rivals 3-2. It was simply great that India, for once, did not choke in the concluding minutes. They raised their bar and choked Pakistan, who were not the side they were. For the first time, India showed resilience and mental sharpness in the last 15 minutes.

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.
"Chak de moment" for Indian girls as they beat China 2-1 and win the fourth Asian Championship Trophy for the first time.
The star of the victory was Deepija Thakur who scored the match winner with just 30 seconds remaining. It was a great goal.