Hockey India rid themselves of the unwelcome ‘minnows’ tag over the preceding few years, but with the latest silver medal at the prestigious FIH Champions Trophy 2016, they are now a formidable force that can give any national side a run for their money in the international arena. As the world takes notice, it’s time to get acquainted with our best players who fired on all cylinders to help India pull off the impressive feat.
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Therefore, let us take a look at five of the key men who made the biggest difference for India with outstanding performances that swung the tide their way at London’s Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre:
#5 Mandeep Singh – Forward
When Hockey India first announced their team for the 36th edition of the Champions Trophy, quite a few eyebrows were raised at the exclusion of seasoned campers like Ramandeep Singh and Rupinder Pal Singh. With the veterans given some much-needed rest ahead of the Olympics, how the decisive goals would arrive for India left a big question mark – the answer to which was impeccably provided by young striker Mandeep Singh.
The Surjit Academy graduate from Jalandhar turned only 21 in January this year, the portentous Olympic year. However, not a hint of inexperience was visible when he took control around the opponents’ back line in the very first game against defending champions Germany; not to forget, Mandeep was marked by a defence that has won back-to-back golds in the latest Olympics. It was hardly a deterrent since the Punjab forward scored India’s second of three goals to help snatch one point from the opening game.
He then starred in the win against Great Britain, drawing first blood for India, completely against the run of play. Incidentally, his tally of three field goals in the tournament stands as the highest number to have been scored from open play at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park meet.
#4 Harmanpreet Singh – Fullback
Unlike his fellow 21-year-old Mandeep who had earned his first international cap as early as 2013, Harmanpreet Singh had to toil for months before the selectors could be convinced of his senior-team readiness. But when he did receive the call-up before the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2016, he grabbed the opportunity with both hands and has been unstoppable since.
The able fullback who doubles up as a handy drag-flicker within India’s ranks found the net in the very first match against the Germans. Known for having the calmest of heads on his shoulders, Harmanpreet was then entrusted with India’s penalty stroke against Great Britain which he slotted home with ease to ensure the first victory fo the Blueshirts in London.
His all-round performance throughout the Champions Trophy 2016 fetched him, quite deservingly, the Best Junior Player Of The Tournament award. What we’re eager to see now is for young Harmanpreet to continue his brilliant form deep into the month of August when India’s Olympic campaign flags off at Rio.
#3 Somwarpet V Sunil – Forward
Coach Roelant Oltmans had meant business when he emphasised on the vitality of striking a healthy balance between the spirited youngsters and the Indian team’s veterans ahead of the Rio Olympics 2016. India’s excellent showing at the 2016 Champions Trophy can hence be directly attributed to his endeavours.
Ever since the responsibility of vice-captain was bestowed upon SV Sunil’s shoulders, the gifted attacker has shown much more consistency with the stick when he’s out there in national colours. London was no exception, where the Karnataka forward started making an impact, from the very first game.
Re-establishing his name amongst the fastest players to adorn the game today, Sunil forayed into the final third with lightning fast sprints that left defenders with little choice other than to watch helplessly or cut him out illegally and picking up suspensions in the process. He delivered game-changing assists against Germany, Great Britain and Korea, besides scoring one himself to put India in the driver’s seat against the East Asian country that later proved crucial in effecting a maiden 2nd-place standing for his country.
#2 Vokkaliga R Raghunath – Fullback
Vokkaliga Ramachandra Raghunath has risen through the ranks to instate himself as one of the deadliest drag-flickers in World Hockey today. It is through his stick that a mammoth 129 goals have come India’s way, including the tournament opener against Germany on the first day.
Often criticised for his defensive lapses, Raghunath’s return to international hockey proved all the more delightful when his imposing presence at the back foiled numerous incisive movements by top sides like Germany and Belgium. Given the number of penalty corners India conceded, a decent conversion ratio by the oppositions would’ve had the Men-in-Blue staring at a bottom-of-the-table finish in London.
Apart from keeping out goalward cracks from stirring the scoresheets, Raghunath pitched in with two penalty corner strikes. However, his gritty show in the goalless finale against World No. 1 Australia will go down as one of the most memorable examples of tight defending in the face of unforgiving adversity.
#1 Parattu Raveendran Sreejesh – Goalkeeper
Words fall short in trying to describe P R Sreejesh’s contribution behind India’s historic Champions Trophy 2016 silver. After sitting out the Sultan Azlan Shah Trophy in April, ‘The Wall’ of Indian hockey arrived in London to lead the national team in the absence of skipper Sardara Singh. As it panned out, his relentless guarding of the woodwork was the priciest asset for India en route to their 2nd-place finish.
Germany, Britain, Belgium and Korea – each of them felt the pangs of frustration when countless well-worked chances were parried away to safety by the ever-vigilant Sreejesh. Although India conceded 4 against Australia in their last group fixture, it was the same match that saw the Kerala man convincingly shielding four successive PCs directed goalward.
Sixty minutes of tenacious goalkeeping to earn a clean sheet in the gold-medal match led to a tie-break in which Sreejesh blocked the Australians twice – but some controversial umpiring rendered his heroics futile. If India are to achieve ultimate glory in Rio, it is this outstanding performer who will be required to deliver unyieldingly.
