Crowning glory for Indian hockey

Selma D’Silva, a member of the women’s hockey team in the 1980 Moscow Olympics, reminisces her jubilation after the men won the hockey gold

It’s a dream-come-true for any sportsperson to be at the Olympics. But the biggest upset was in the 1980 Moscow Olympics when many teams boycotted the Games.

Nevertheless, for the Indians it was one of the biggest moments of their lives as the men’s team won the gold in hockey. The women’s team failed to make an impact, but the men were tough and talented led by V Bhaskaran along with Mervyn Fernandes, Zafar Iqbal, to name a few stalwarts in the team. I distinctly remember the final match against Spain when we all had gathered to cheer our side.

It was a game to remember as a close tussle ensued with India finally winning it 4-3. The euphoria was long lasting as we ran into the ground along with the team members to congratulate the Indian brave hearts. It was an overwhelming moment for all of us. But the best part was the celebration arranged by the organizers for the players who had their birthdays on the days of the games. They would send a bouquet of flowers and a perfume bottle as gift which I chanced to preserve. I was one of the lucky ones to get the gift as my birthday falls on July 24.

As told to Joe Williams