This is new age Indian hockey. Gone are the days when hockey players entertained crowds with stick wizardry, sweet dribbling and gentle passing. That is part of some ancient, romantic folklore! A new chapter is being written — calculated moves, tough tackling, sheer speed, aggressive physical manoeuvres and power play are used to checkmate opponents and beat them in their own game.
The Indian men's hockey team on Sunday proved that they are no longer intimidated by their European opponents. A convincing 8-1 win over a mentally and physically fatigued France at the Major Dhyan Chand stadium ensured them a place at the 2012 London Olympics.
India played like winners! The scoreline may not reveal the entire story, but the French kept testing their patience with rough physical play. However, the likes of Sardar Singh, Sandeep Singh, Tushar Khandker and SV Sunil retaliated in a calculated manner.
The rolling substitution of Michael Nobbs also played a vital role as he kept players fresh by never giving them more than seven minutes on the trot. Nobbs instils the never-say-die attitude into this young side. His message was simple — shape up or ship out! Former hockey skipper Rajpal Singh was one such casualty. There was uproar, but Nobbs stuck to his guns.
Singapore were no opposition while Italy were overawed by the big stage. Poland did not give glimpses of the old side which grieved India at the Olympics. Canada looked to be the only worthy challengers, but their mistake of losing to Poland in the league game proved costly.
That gave India a chance to choose their opponents for the final. A 6-2 victory in the league match worked like an energy booster for the host team. The final was over even before it began.
International Hockey Federation chief Leandro Negre complimented Nobbs. "Australians are better," he said. Nobbs' job has not ended. His workload has increased, and so is the job of the players to get India back on the world map of hockey.
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