The Indian Hockey team has flattered to deceive once again. Their pathetic showing at the Kuala Lumpur World Cup has shattered the hopes of millions of Indians. The problem was that this team was just not good enough.
There is no point in making statements that this team can beat any team in the world !! Is that how we finished 10th ?? !! The fact is that the game in India is run by inept, inefficient and arrogant officials like K.P.S.Gill and Jothikumaran. These guys are more keen on winning elections and creating factions rather than developing the sport in this country.
It is a shame that the country which taught the world how to play hockey is now the pupil and the rest of the world are the masters !!
The team selected for the World Cup left a lot to be desired. How were Gagan Ajit Singh and Vikram Pillay left out of the side ? It is very easy to blame the coach for the debacle. Sure, he has to take his share of the blame. But what about the players ? Many of them looked novices on the field. The passing of the Indians was atrocious and they lacked the hunger to win. They also lacked the speed and fitness of the other teams. Team spirit and cohesion was nowhere evident. We had Dhanraj Pillay writing daily in The Times of India against some of his team mates !! How can a team play as a unit after these kind of disparaging remarks about them by a team mate ??
Contrary to what Gill says, it is obvious that India needs a foreign coach. Times have changed and so have the techniques and strategies. One hopes that Indian Hockey gets a foreign coach soon otherwise it will be too late.
If Gill continues to runs the IHF in the same dictatorial manner, it is time to recall and implement Aslam Sher Khan’s words ’’ TO HELL WITH INDIAN HOCKEY’’ !!