Hope is hockey as India’s unsung heroes head for Sydney

Yes, it is that silly season again, when hockey is picked up from the dustbin and splashed all over the newspapers. India, eight-time gold medallists, are on the Olympic trail. Pillay, who led India to Bangkok Asian Games gold in 1998, is of course, the’ face of Indian hockey during this campaign.

It is ironic, how in these times of match-fixing and mud-slinging, focus has shifted from a tainted sport to a bunch of boys who were pronounced no-gooders by all, including its own federation, the Bangkok goldnotwithstanding. And yet, there seems to be less hype this time than in 1996 when the Indians looked good for a medal.

It is two decades since India won their last Olympic hockey gold at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. Since then, there has been a steady decline. However, most officials and players believe that the current lot has a lot of unity and cohesion. No tall claims are being made, there is no talk of medals, but the coaches and physios insist that the fitness-level of the team — an essential element in modern hockey — is very high.

There are two players who will be going for their third Olympics, Pillay and Mukesh Kumar, while many others also played at Atlanta. Both Pillay and Mukesh realise that this may be their last chance to prove that they are still hungry for goals. “There are no controversies now, and we have a very good understanding with the juniors. God willing the medal will come,” saidPillay.

Mukesh, underplaying the team’s chances, said “anything is possible”. He added: “There are some who are talking about medals, but there is no pressure on us. If all of us can perform to even 70 per cent of our capabilities, we will be on the medals podium. Pillay and I are the most experienced in this side and in the camps we tried to help the juniors to shape up for Sydney. I have a very good feeling about the campaign.”

Fitness, of course, is the key to India’s success and this time there seem to be no worries on that count. As the physio said, none of the players passed the eligibility criteria six months ago, and today, every player has passed the test and “they are yet to peak”.

“We peaked before the Atlanta campaign started and thrashed all the top names on European tour. Then, we were stunned by Argentina in the first match. That was it. It is surprising how lesser-known teams can surprise you in modern hockey. I remember Chile — hardly known for hockey — giving us a tough time with their penalty corner formations some time ago. We were left scratching our heads. We have taken care that such a thing does not happen in Sydney,” said Mukesh.

This team is coached by Vasudevan Baskaran, ironically the skipper when India last stood on the podium in 1980. No one labels him as the best tactical coach — that many feel is Cedric D’Souza — but everybody agrees that Baskaran, who relies a lot on his instinct, is also a great motivator. And that may just be what Indian hockey requires right now.

For the Indian fans, images of banners screaming Down Under, India is Thunder’ during the 1985 cricket World Championships of Cricket are still fresh. Fifteen years on, their eyes are fixed on the hockey team, as they wait for an encore.

FIVE WHO COULD MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

DHANRAJ PILLAY:At 32, one of the fittest in the side. Clocked 11.00 seconds in 100m dash at the Bangalore camp. Known as the Boris Becker of Mumbai’ in Germany where he plays the league, Pillay will be Indian’s main striker and the most marked player at Sydney.
MUKESH KUMAR:Right-winger, once ranked best in the world. Mukesh has worked very hard on his fitness and is expected to lead Indian attacks in the company of Pillay.
MOHAMMED RIAZ:Chief playmaker, has perfect understanding with forwards Pillay, Mukesh and Baljit Dhillon. Expected to play as fifth linkman or a withdrawn forward, Riaz is cool and consistent.
DILIP TIRKEY:With 86 caps already for India, the 25-year-old is one of the world’s best deep defenders. He has also added a lot of sting to his penalty corner hits.
JUDE MENEZES:Rated second best in the country after Ashish Ballal, Jude will be under tremendous pressure to prove his detractors wrong. With Ballal now history, Jude has the opportunity not only to underline his class butalso back his statement: “Forget Ballal. I’m the best.”