'We were all set to win medal in Los Angeles'

Former hockey stalwart, Rajinder Singh (jr), shares his experience of the 1984 Games

I took part in the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984 and that year we were all set win a medal but somehow it slipped from our hands. We drew with Germany and were out of the semifinals on goal difference. Germany had scored a goal more than us and they were through.

Since we were medal contenders, we concentrated on each game and were playing really well. But one bad match dashed all our hopes. Even now when players from that squad meet in a function, we regret of returning empty-handed from Los Angeles.

We also had a nice time with the Pakistani and Australian players as we shared a good rapport with them. We used to take dinner with the Pakistani players and got ourselves engaged in such an ambience that there was no tension, though the pressure of performing in all the matches was there.

But missing out on so many chances against Germany and losing out on the medal still rankles me more than anything else. Everyone said that India and Australia would clash in the final, but we made our exit before that. We got three-four easy chances to score, but failed to do the needful. I wish we could avail those chances.

During my stay in the village, it was nice to see top American sprinter Carl Lewis practising and turning out the next day to win medals. Being a fan of Lewis, I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of that Olympics in Los Angeles.

Watching other big stars performing was a type of exercise to take our minds off the game and that sometimes helps you to concentrate more when required.