Can Sardar and co carry on the momentum in Champions trophy?
Incredible results over the last two months
It’s been a surreal few months for the Indian National hockey team. Beating arch-rivals Pakistan for the Asian Games gold medal and now winning a test series down under by a 3-1 margin can be considered as one of the best moments for the national team in recent times. Indian team, despite all the talent at their disposal, has been inconsistent. Few good games followed by some listless performances have been the routine story.
Ninth position in the 2012 London Olympics was thought to be the last nail in the coffin in regard to any hope of resurgence. The boys have reignited the Indian hope that the good old days of hockey can be resuscitated after winning these tournaments.
Hockey in India, with its huge baggage of glorious past, is a game which people like to talk in the past tense. No one really follows the current lot of players. Nevertheless, the recent wins have given us something to cheer and talk about.
Current National Squad has shown a lot of promise
Sardar Singh, the charismatic captain, has been the face of Indian Hockey for a while now. He played his 200th match for India during the recent tour to Australia. A technically gifted player with a superb hockey brain, he has been the guiding force of the team. Shortlisted for FIH player of the year in 2012, he has been a colossal figure in the team. Currently the most decorated player in the national side, he has only one dream to achieve – Olympic gold for India.
P.R Sreejesh, the Indian goalie, his heroics in the Asian games 2014 will surely be remembered for years to come. Presently the vice-captain, he is the custodian of the Indian goalpost. Super-fast reflexes and spot-on with his judgments, if he carries on this form we are sure to win many more matches in the future.
At the back of the defense, we have sturdy Rupinder Pal Singh and reliable V.R. Raghunath. They both operate as full-backs and are known for their abilities as drag-flickers. They have already played 100 and 172 matches respectively for India and garnered enough experience under their belt.
In the midfield and forward positions, we have a plethora of young stars like Kothajit Singh, Manpreet Singh, S.V Sunil, Akashdeep Singh, Mandeep Singh and others. The current Indian squad consists of a right blend of youth and experience. However, Champions trophy is a different ball game.
Can the boys continue the winning run?
History is not on our side when it comes to Champions trophy. Our best finish has been a third place way back in 1982. In the 2012 Melbourne edition, we finished in fourth position losing to Pakistan. But the situation seems different now as our boys are high on confidence and would like to carry on their winning form. However, they will have to finish the job without their coach. The architect of recent achievements, Coach Terry Walsh has resigned from his post citing red-tapism and excessive bureaucratic control. we No obstacles can stop us as long as we have self-made heroes like Sardar and Sreejesh. Let’s hope for the best and cheer for our national team.