In a diverse country like India where cricket is a religion, hockey finds it difficult to find a place in the heart of the masses.
But lately, hockey seems to be returning back as a popular sport. The future is bright. Yes, very bright.
The Indian hockey team is all set for the final of the 25th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. They showed heart and courage in the previous encounters, which we have been yearning to see for long.
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After defeating Japan 2-1 in the opening encounter, India put up a lazy show against Australia which caused serious ramifications. India beat Canada 3-1 comfortably in the next game.
Sardar Singh and Co. mauled their arch-rivals in the next clash to register their biggest ever win over Pakistan. In a game that could have easily fetched 3 points, India went down to New Zealand as they lost 1-2 in extremely hot and humid afternoon conditions.
The team pulled up their socks up against Malaysia in a do-or-die clash to book a final berth in the 25th edition of the Sultan Azlan Cup.
The real test lies ahead
In the past few years, the attitude of the team has changed greatly. In spite of wasting chances, it was refreshing to see India's renewed fitness levels.
India has brought a relatively younger team with players like Harjeet, Harmanpreet, Akash Chikte, Surender Kumar, Talwinder Singh and Jasjit Kular.
Even in the absence of PR Sreejesh, who has been rested for this tournament, goalkeeping has been exceptional. Akash Chitke and Harjot Singh have proved we are not over-dependent on the Kerala goalie.
Harmanpreet Singh and Rupinder Pal Singh stayed with the enemy till the end, a proof of how strong this Indian team is especially in defence. The 20-year-old Harmanpreet was picked in place of the rested ace drag-flicker VR Raghunath for the tournament. Apart from Rupinder, Raghunath is the other pillar of our defence.
Sardar Singh, Danish Mujtaba, and Manpreet Singh have forged a stellar partnership in the midfield. They have been wonderful in creating opportunities for the strikers.
SV Sunil and Ramandeep Singh have been skilful in poaching goals. They have exhibited a deft touch and imagination in the circle. Young striker Talwinder Singh made his presence felt in the tournament.
As far as improvement in the game is concerned, it has gotten better in all 3 domains. Former coach Terry Walsh strengthened the basics of the team and the present coach Roelant Oltmans brought in the confidence which was lacking in the players.
After India failed to qualify for the 2008 Olympics, many fingers were raised on the sport and it was seen as the end of national hockey. It was said, hockey has lost its luster and had a question mark on its future.
But Sardar Singh has managed to lead the team in the most brilliant fashion, making them a strong contender in Rio. The passion and dedication for the game have seen the players reach new heights.
Strong finish at the Rio Olympics
Not long ago, India defeated World No. 1 Australia in their backyards to win the series 3-1. Before that, the thundering team won the Asian Games, which ensured their qualification to the Rio 2016 Olympics.
In the Champions Trophy, India finished 4th but the players displayed unbelievable skills with four of them bagging individual awards.
Sadly, the world knows about it. But India doesn't.
Let's hope Team India comes victorious today and in Rio de Janeiro. If India keeps getting their tactics right, we have a fair chance of a strong finish at the Rio Olympics.
Hockey India won a lot of hearts on Twitter last night. While the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup was trending on Twitter, people congratulated the team on the achievement:
The future of Indian hockey is bright. It's high time we start caring.
