Indian hockey triumph shows promise

Entering the tournament in a state of almost zero preparedness and without a few of their key players, a wooden spoon is what many expected India to fetch from coach Michael Nobbs’s first assignment at the Asian Champions Trophy.

But to return triumphant by beating Pakistan in an intense final under such circumstances is praiseworthy. Nobbs will take home plenty of positives from the tournament, especially the fact that his side managed to remain unbeaten throughout. However, experts feel the Australian will have to ensure the side doesn’t get carried away with this success, which is the beginning of an arduous road towards achieving their ultimate goal - qualifying for next year’s Olympics.

“It is a morale-boosting win but we should be cautious while celebrating,” said Olympian Balbir Singh, also a member of the selection committee. “The boys did show a lot of courage and came up with some really brave performances. The challenge would be to emulate such performances in the tournaments that matter.”

Despite the overall slide, India have remained a force to reckon with in Asia, where only Pakistan and South Korea have managed to pose a threat on consistent basis. In the last decade, India have won the Asia Cup twice and have claimed a bronze (2010) and a silver (2002) at the Asian Games. Hence, the win at Ordos hasn’t come out of the blue.

Balbir, though, is satisfied that the current lot played as a well-knit unit, helping each other during the crisis situation. “With two or three rogue elements out (read: Sandeep Singh and Sardara Singh) the boys are now gelling well as a team. It was always going to be risky to suspend a player like Sardara but this tournament gives us confidence that talent is available in abundance,” said Balbir.

Nobbs has also won plaudits for bringing back the aggressive style of play, rather than aping the European sides. That obviously yielded desired results as India ended the tournament as the highest goal-scorers (15).

IOA skips meeting
The IOA, on Monday, skipped the meeting called by the sports ministry to discuss the merger of IHF and HI. Sports minister Ajay Maken is slated to meet FIH president Leandro Negre in New Delhi on Tuesday and persuade him to reconsider the decision of taking away the Champions Trophy from India.