ANALYSIS
The Hockey World Cup, being held in Bhubaneswar, has been described “as the biggest prize and the most cherished victory in hockey alongside the Olympics”.
The Hockey World Cup, being held in Bhubaneswar, has been described “as the biggest prize and the most cherished victory in hockey alongside the Olympics”.
India put up a fierce fight as one of the claimants to the crown. But Netherlands proved to be better yet again. In six previous World Cup encounters, India have never beaten Netherlands. In this World Cup, Netherlands’ performance against Germany and Canada wasn’t spectacular.
On the other hand, India had go off to a spectacular start when they defeated South Africa 5-0 on the opening day of the tournament. It has fielded the youngest team in the tournament with an average age of 23. Though experienced players like skipper Manpreet Singh and Birendra Lakra form the spine of the team, its heart is infused with young blood.
However, what India lacks is consistency. And, unfortunately, it failed to turn the home crowd advantage into a win. Looking back, India hasn’t won the World Cup since 1975. Its next best position was fifth, that too in front of a home crowd, when the World Cup was held in Bombay in 1982. But there was a time when South Asia dominated the game — Pakistan, with four World Cup titles, is the most successful team in the history of the Cup.
The history of hockey in India is a tale of hitting the crest and trough. Indians were the uncrowned kings of hockey at the Olympics from 1928 to 1956, winning six successive golds. Such sterling achievements were supplemented by two more golds — one at Tokyo in 1964 and the other at Moscow Olympics in 1980. After the peak came the slow decline with one silver at Rome in 1960 and two more bronzes at Mexico (1968) and Munich (1972). In the last 30 years, it simply went downhill.
DNA TV Show: Conflicting data on Delhi station stampede reveals communication gap
WATCH: Baba Ramdev at 59 takes part in race with horse, netizens say 'Olympics me chalo'
Delhi woman turns auto driver to support daughter, her story goes viral
Viral video declares Rajat Patidar ‘Captain of Captains’ after RCB names him Skipper, here's why
Indian Army havildar loses teen son, saves others’ lives by...
WPL 2025: Smriti Mandhana creates history during RCB vs DC match, becomes first player to cross...
Ronit Roy says he was the first choice for Pardes but he was replaced by...because...
‘Papa killed mummy': 4-year-old's drawing creates suspicion over woman’s alleged suicide
Sunil Mittal gets Rs 8486 crore after selling....; still seeks funds for newer...
How a low cost floor cleaning robot revolutinising home automation – Check details
Harvard Alum Aayush Puri: Move back to India, the future is here
Vicky Kaushal reveals how his fight scene with lion in Chhaava was shot: 'We were all so...'
Shabana Azmi holds her ears, issues public apology to Dabba Cartel co-star Jyotika; here's why
Meet Arvind Kejriwal’s daughter, who cracked IIT-JEE Advanced, went to IIT Delhi, now working as...
'Kohli never said a word': Pakistan's Haris Rauf on Virat Kohli hitting sixes against him in...
Bengaluru to witness hottest summer says IMD, recorded season’s highest temperature at...
Ranveer Singh to venture in production amid box office slump? Here's the truth
Where to Buy Testosterone in the USA? Top 3 Best Brands of Testosterone Cypionate in 2025
Pregnant woman employee gets Rs 1 crore compensation after being fired through...
ELECRAMA 2025: Powering the Future of Energy
Steroids for Sale in the USA: Buy Steroids Online in 2025
How to Choose Trenbolone for Sale Online? Review of Popular Trenbolone Manufacturers
After disrupting Indian market, Mukesh Ambani takes THIS popular brand to...
Remedium Lifecare Lands Rs 182 Crore Multi-Year Contract: Stock Set for Major Upturn
Former ISRO chief AS Kiran Kumar visits Goenka Temple, expresses hope for successful Mars mission
Anil Ambani's Rs 9831 crore company set to enter NEW space, makes key...
347 rooms, Rs 22400 crore worth: India's most expensive wedding venue is located in...
Vladimir Putin's BIG warning to Ukraine, will negotiate only if...
Woman constable carries baby on duty, RPSF says, 'she serves, she...', video goes viral
'Caught Red-Handed': Cognizant accuses Narayana Murthy's Infosys of stealing THIS secret in...
'Bharat Jodo Vivah': Wedding invite of Jammu's daughter, Kerala's son wows internet
Pavitra Rishta fame Usha Nadkarni cries inconsolably as she remembers her brother's death, watch
MASSIVE discount on Apple iPhone 16, iPhone 15, check here how to grab this deal
Juhi Chawla takes holy dip at Mahakumbh 2025, calls it 'most beautiful morning in her life'
Deepinder Goyal's Zomato launches first AI product ‘Nugget,’ says will give it for free to…
Champions Trophy 2025: 5 major records that Virat Kohli can break in this tournament
Shweta Basu Prasad says she was bullied on Telugu film set: 'I was called...'
Gujarat: Lion brings traffic to a halt at Bhavnagar-Somnath highway, watch viral video
India's Got Latent row: SC grants interim relief from arrest to Ranveer Allahbadia
Tesla begins hiring in India after PM Modi-Musk meet, announces multiple job roles in...
Gurugram woman shares interview experience at Zomato, CEO Deepinder Goyal reacts, says...
'Sir ek kiss ho jaye': Paps unleash a horror welcome on Udit Narayan
Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt REUNITE for Hollywood thriller, filming begins in Saudi Arabia: Report
Gujarat: Videos of women patients leaked on Telegram, YouTube, probe ordered
South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron found dead at home, cause of death revealed
Canada: Delta Airlines plane crashes at Toronto Pearson airport, flips upside down, several injured
Meet Gyanesh Kumar, IIT graduate, who becomes new Chief Election Commissioner
DNA TV Show: RSS' Bihar model ahead of Assembly elections in state
WPL 2025: Renuka, Wareham spark collapse as RCB bowl out Delhi Capitals for 141
Champions Trophy 2025: Ex-Pak cricketer says Pakistan don't deserve to win, 'Chal jaaye toh...'