Indian hockey is really in doldrums

It was almost as if India were content with a draw with the Kiwis as that is what they needed for a fourth place, writes Pargat Singh..

On the face of it, India seems to have done well to get into play-off for the bronze medal in the Champions Trophy, which is world hockey's premier annual tournament. But those who follow the game know and realize that Indian hockey is really in doldrums right now.

HT Image

If you ask me, India were lucky to finish fourth after the league matches. It was almost as if India were content with a draw for that they thought that is what they needed for a fourth place the right to play for bronze.

Meanwhile, Spain beat Pakistan 3-0 to reach the finals where they will meet defending champions the Netherlands. Pakistan might be demoralized by this defeat, since they had set their hearts on winning the title, but now they may well go all out to seal at least a bronze, and that too against arch-rivals, India.

In my book, the 1-1 draw against New Zealand was a setback. As for the Kiwis, they would not be wrong in feeling that they may well have been denied a well-deserved win, as the Indians got a penalty stroke, which the New Zealanders were very unhappy about. Having said that, the Kiwis must learn to take that in their stride because umpiring decisions, however unpalatable, have to be accepted.