Will Hockey India League promise a better future for India?

The past:

India was a powerhouse once upon a time in this game. India used to thrash the opponents and the folklores evoke a sense of pride amongst the sports aficionados. The scoreline of 24-1 against the USA, the memorable 1936 Olympic finals against the Germans in front of Hitler, and the historic 1948 gold medal against Great Britain at London gives all of us goosebumps.

But all of a sudden, this ‘national game’ has been reduced to a mere joke. The shambolic chapters of mismanaged administration, the lack of incentives for a hockey player and the poor standards of stadiums having astro-turfs have made India search for an oxygen mask in order to infuse a breath of fresh air. Former hockey players have prophesied that the day is not far away when an obituary would be issued in public, officially declaring the death of this game. Late Leslie Claudius, in an interview to Leslie Xavier, mentioned that the slide of Indian hockey started when India were still the world-beaters, around the 1960s. The administrators relied on the rich vein of Indian history instead of providing facilities for next set of players. The players from the future generations were battling on two fronts – fighting to keep India’s rich history intact (which they miserably failed to do) and battling against the alien turf (the Astro-turf). About 50 years hence, Indian hockey is in tatters – after finishing 12^th out of 12 teams at the London Olympics, the word ‘hope’ is a misfit in the dictionary of even the most pragmatic hockey fan who follows Indian hockey.

And now comes Hockey India League (HIL) – will this resuscitate hockey? Or will hockey continue to follow a downward spiral?

The league:

Delhi Wave Riders during practice

HIL – the ‘official’ hockey league includes five teams from across the country. This model may not be as robust as an Indian Premier League model but it certainly promises to change the face of Indian hockey. Seven years ago, Premier Hockey League was started with some innovations but the league ran into trouble when Indian Hockey Federation was disbanded by IOA. But HIL is not going to meet the same fate for sure.

Like in the IPL, some of the best players from across the world would be participating in the league. This is a positive step for the young players who could learn a thing or two about the technique, skill and temperament from the international stars. Jaypee Punjab Warriors is blessed to have a world class player like Jamie Dwyer in their ranks and with Japp Stockmann, they have the safest pair of hands to guard their post. It’s up to the Punjab team now, how they extract the maximum out of these superstars.

But will the presence of this league help India to be better team at the international stage? I feel the league would be a reality check for Indian players. The lack of physical fitness has been India’s lacuna for ages. If they learn valuable lessons from their peers, they could serve the nation well. It’s got to be a symbiotic relationship between the players and the coaches. A coach is after all going to be as good as the bunch of players under him.

Financial gains:

HIL Auctions

Franchise-owned city based league would provide sizeable amount of prize money to the winning team. With sponsorship flowing for this league, this might well prove to be the biggest motivating factor for the players. IPL got some of its players astronomical sums of money. The performance would be closely monitored, be rest assured. 34 matches, based on the concept of home and away games, is going to push the limits of the players but it is time for them to prove their mettle.

The TV ratings:

The advertisements I feel are disappointing. “Dushman ko aukat yaad dilaate hai” is a mild way to put things. It would have been better had there been more optimism and an air of expectation in those advertisements. But it is good that there are endorsements related to hockey; at least the ball has been set rolling. The league is going to be telecast at prime time. Hopefully, it will garner decent TRPs.

No clear-cut favorites:

Sahara Pariwar (Uttar Pradesh Warriors), Wave Group (Delhi Waveriders), Jaypee Group (Punjab Warriors), Dabur Group (Mumbai Magicians) and Patel-Uniexcel Group (Ranchi Rhinos) are the pioneers who have invested in Indian hockey. This is enough to motivate the players to perform at both the domestic and international level.

There are no clear-cut favorites in HIL. 120 best players are part of this league. They are here to win. The competition is going to be intense. Jamie Dwyer’s inclusion in Jaypee Punjab Warriors, one would think, would give them an edge above the rest. But Sardar Singh is Delhi’s marquee player. Penalty corner specialist Sandeep Singh is a big plus for Mumbai. The foreign and Indian players in each franchise are all working hard to put up a good show. The organizers, the players, the respective associations, the franchise, coaches, support staff have all gathered and they have a common goal – to give their best shot.

It is time to support your favourite teams and hope for the best. Recent disappointments and chaotic past has neutralized India’s glorious past. Will this league be a small step towards salvaging the lost pride and setting up a promising future? Only time will tell.