Top 5 moments from the first week of the Hockey India League

It's been a thrilling start to the new season of Hockey India League 2015 with some splendid games of hockey on display. All the matches have been a cliffhanger spiking the tension and testosterone of both – the players as well as the fans.Jaypee Punjab Warriors lead the table, while UP Wizards are languishing at the bottom.Amid all the action taking place on the field, we take a look at the 5 best moments from the first week of Hero Hockey India League:

#5 Dazzling Opening Ceremony

HIL

It is customary for every sports league to have an outstanding opening ceremony. Following the usual norm, the opening ceremony gala of Hero Hockey India League 2015 was also nothing short of spectacular.

There was display of fireworks and a laser show all around the stadium and the presence of VVIP personalities made this year’s opening ceremony second to none. The performances by the dancers also added to the glamour of the opening ceremony of the third edition of the Hockey India League.

#4 Every match turning out to be a humdinger

There hasn’t been a game in the first week which has not gone right down to the wire. Till now, every match has been too close to call and turning out to be an edge of the seat action. With goals flowing every seconds till the dying embers of the game, it is keeping fans on tenterhooks all through the match.

Scorelines like 2-2, 3-2, 3-3, 4-2 and even 6-3 have been seen at the tournament. With so many goals, there is no shortage on excitement for the neutrals.

#3 Presence of strong crowd

HIL crowd — Image Credits: Hockey India League Facebook

In true sense, every sport remains an entertainer only if the audience comes and watch it in numbers. Hockey is no longer the numero uno sport in India. Nevertheless, it hasn’t stopped the crowd from coming in huge numbers and egging on their respective teams.

It is very heartening to see such support for hockey again. Special mention must go to the fans of Ranchi and Bhubaneshwar who cheer their team with full throttle. Hopefully, this tournament reignites the passion for the sport in the country

#2 Showboating from young Indian players

In a game when a piece of skill is executed to perfection, it makes the eyes of the audiences twinkle with wonderment.It takes years of practice and meticulous precision to deliver those skills in a actual match.But looking at the young Indian players in Hockey India League bamboozling defenders now and then, it all feels like a child’s play.For all the fans it’s a proud moment to watch youngsters like Ramandeep, Mandeep, Nikkin exhibiting some delectable hockey skills and hoodwinking world class defenders in the blink of an eye.

#1 Goalkeepers ruling the roost

GKs — Image Credits: Hockey India League Facebook

“Defence wins Games” is a popular adage used in Basketball. The famous maxim seems to be fitting hockey as well if we go by the results of the matches in the first week. The teams with a solid defence have been firing on all cylinders.

Even though credit should also go to the backline players, the true defensive walls have been the goalkeepers of the team. Their quick reflex saves and acrobatic moves under the bar is commendable. Despite the weight of huge gear to their body and blistering pace of the ball, they have been producing breath-taking saves to the amazement of all the fans.

Edited by Staff Editor