Commonwealth Games 2018: India look to stamp dominance on struggling Pakistan
Which is the one team that can be singled out as the greatest ever in the history of world hockey?
India certainly comes to mind instantly with a massive tally of eight Olympic gold medals under its belt. What works against India is that it has just a single World Cup gold against its name and not a single Champions Trophy title.
Australia would certainly have made the grade, having won every trophy there is to offer in the hockey world, but falls short on account of the so-called Olympic hoodoo with just a solo Olympic gold to its name.
From the heights of glory to the depths of despair
Pakistan, on the other hand, has won three Olympic gold medals (in addition to three silver and four bronze), a record four World Cups, and the prestigious Champions Trophy thrice. Pakistan also has an amazing record of 53 victories in 84 World Cup matches having played in six World Cup finals.
One of the greatest teams ever to have graced the hockey field, Pakistan is now a shadow of its former selves. Ranked 13th in the FIH rankings and with no big names to speak of, Pakistani hockey is at its lowest ebb.
The selectors and officials of the Pakistan team have far more formidable reputations than the current crop of players.
Hassan Sardar, captain of the Pakistan team which won gold in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, is the manager of the squad. In his heyday, Hassan Sardar was one of the best centre-forwards in the world and feared for his menacing dribbles and goal-scoring abilities. Sardar has been ranked as one of the ten greatest hockey players of all time.
Currently, however, the great striker finds himself in charge of a sluggish unit that badly needs direction.
Unlike the Indian hockey management, who are keen to infuse fresh talent into the senior squad, Sardar feels that such a move would be premature and that the future players of Pakistani hockey must instead be allowed to improve by playing in junior international events.
Pakistan hasn't been doing too well in the run-up to the Commonwealth Games. In a three-Nation tournament in Oman recently, it lost to Japan in the final. Worse still, it had to split points with Oman, ranked 32nd in the world. Oman emerged with a 4-4 draw against one of the all-time greats of world hockey after being 0-3 down at one stage.
Earlier, in March, the Pakistan Hockey Federation made a decision that could, in the future, tilt the scales in favour of its beleaguered team. In need of a saviour, Pakistan turned to an old hand who is now an expert in the subcontinental style of hockey.
Dutch coach with expertise in subcontinental hockey
The adage of "former India coach" is not entirely accurate in the Roelant Oltmans context as the Dutchman coached Pakistan long before he coached India. Oltmans was in charge of the Pakistan side in 2003-04 and feels that the team have it in them to excel again on the world stage.
The Pakistani players are strongly of the opinion that Oltmans' recent India stint will help the team.
The Pakistanis insist that winning the Asian Games is the next big destination with the Commonwealth Games and the Champions Trophy leading to the journey there. The Indian players and the coaching staff too have their sights set firmly on the Asian Games title.
Only one team can get there, however, and the Asian hockey giants will clash yet again in the Champions Trophy before, possibly, crossing swords to decide who makes it to Tokyo 2020.
Reports in the Pakistan press indicate that the players are well aware of their current limitations and the huge gap that exists between them and the top teams. Their aim, they say, is to give a tough fight to the big teams and get as much exposure as they can before the Asian Games. With nothing to lose, Pakistan may prove to be the giant killers of the Commonwealth Games tournament as they are not burdened by the pressure of expectations.
India, however, look set to dominate proceedings a couple of days from now, barring miracles.
An India-Pakistan hockey contest is not just about national pride. Both teams play fast, attacking, and free-flowing hockey, thus ensuring that the matches are an absolute delight to watch with hardly a dull moment.
Fasten your seat belts then as the Asian giants clash in Gold Coast on April 7.