The cocky win by the Indian hockey team over Argentina in the opening encounter at the Sydney Olympics has once again given rise to the expectations of the millions craving for an Olympic medal.Live telecast or not, on Sunday, the whole of India wanted to keep itself abreast with the happenings of the National side that is hoping to make a return into the past when India held its dominance at the Olympics. Having won eight gold medals starting in 1928 (remaining unbeaten till 1956) and winning the last at the Moscow Games in 1980, India have been left searching since. The present side, led by Ramandeep Singh and consisting of stars Dhanraj Pillay and Mukesh Kumar, has raised hopes of the revival. Showing renewed vigour, India broke the Argentine jinx to stir the heart of the people who after òf40óCricketgate are now talking hockey.The blazing start has opened the road to semi-final and if the team maintains its good run a shot at the gold cannot be ruled out. That's still far but the present showing holds promise.Analysing the team's strength and weaknesses, some of the former Olympians had this to say on the winning start:Merwyn Fernandes: It's nice. First match has always been a problem for India and that way it's a good start. Of course, there were some problems and I hope the coach must have studied these. But more importantly the side did well enough to score. They took their chances which is so very important in an opener. Goalkeeper Jude Menezes was in particular outstanding on the day. This is also one area where India has always been found wanting and Jude did a great job staving off quite a number of short corners. India have done well winning by a good margin but they will have to lift their game when they meet a much stronger Australia on Tuesday.M Sommaya: After a long time India have played very good hockey. They obviously played according to a plan and most importantly the defence made no uneforced errors which is very important in modern hockey. They retained the possession of ball playing square and into the opposite defence. Although the Argentine forwards attacked in stages, overall I am very happy with India's showing.It was a good match to settle down but it's early days as we also have to meet Australia, South Korea and Spain. But if everyone gets back into the defence and attack through counters then Dhanraj Pillay and Mukesh Kumar are always there.Darryl D'Souza: The victory is very nice. Argentina had been troubling us in the recent past and beating them has given India a very good start. Though in the first 40 minutes India appeared to be settling down, they played excellent hockey in the last 20 minutes. The good work now gives them a shot at the semi-final more so with Spain and South Korea playing out a draw. Generally India's goalkeeping has been a worry but today Jude Menezes did a great job especially keeping a watch of the scoopers - he had that gap covered well. Well done is however half begun and India will now have to watch for Australia who will come out with loaded guns (India having beaten them last in the Four-Nation Cup a month ago) and if we can clinch even a draw, I think it will be another good achievement.Gurubux Singh: It is a good morale-boosting win and has given as hope for the semi-finals. Given the good start India should now aim at winning all games against such second grade teams. It is these points that will open the door for medal hopes. Still there is a long way to go but given the start we should now hope for the very best.
