Anything to delve into the labyrinth of Indian hockey in terms of recapturing its glory in international arena is an emotional strain - of delight and of despair, of triumphs and of tragedies and of course, of the pain in witnessing persistent failures.
A beautiful game, a wonderful tradition, a sense of prestige blown into oblivion! But a closer look into the causes leading to the gradual and shameful degeneration and disintegration of our glorious past throws a lot more than just the lack of sincerity at all levels, be it the players, coaches or administrators.
I had a ticket to the Kolkata Literary Meet, took a seat. I was drawn to the two stalwarts attending the discussions. One was Mr. Gurbak Singh – the eminent hockey player and the other Mr. Nisabh Singh Debi – a premium cricketer and one of the famous spin bowlers in Tiger Pataudi era. The stage was set for an interesting discussion, the Indian Hockey team had just been ousted from the World Cup and everyone wanted to know – what ails Indian Hockey!
I came back to my room and started scribbling notes on what I gather was a very practical and honest take from the two stalwarts on the present hockey stalemate. What they said was overwhelming.
Here are some of the ideas we shared.
What I presume is lacking the most – it resides in the mind – that I can pull it off – is the mindset, the ferocious desire to succeed. It is painfully missing!
In absence of India, fans pouring their love to Belgium and Germany, the World Cup finalists
Have you ever seen the glint in the eyes of a hockey player which resembles that of cricketer Md. Siraj – the burning eyes with which he stares when the batsman hits him for a four or for a six? No. Because it is not there. It is not there because that aggression is not part of our hockey players’ DNA. None of us has seen it and I am distressed to acknowledge honestly that it would not come in a hurry.
Unless a total overturn of the system is witnessed.
The Indian Hockey System – its players, its infrastructure and its administration: if all of the three walk in unison then the magic will happen. It is facing the same draught in attaining complete supremacy what the West Indian cricket is facing now. The world of Viv Richards, Clive Lloyd, Joel Garner is replaced by the timid Nicholas Pooran, Jason Holder, Shai Hope!! Viv must be crying silently seeing the horrible plight of West Indian cricket.
So is Ajit Pal Singh – the golden boy of Indian hockey. 48 years back he was instrumental in winning the World Cup Hockey beating Pakistan 2-1 in Kuala Lumpur.
We never won the Cup after that!
Studies have come to light that the West Indian cricket is poor in talent because of NBA – the lure of money has seen good, educated youth flocking the basketball arena. Is there any harm?
And what harm did the Indian youth do when young, talented blood of reasonable education and confident mindset chose cricket over hockey as their career. No harm indeed.
Infographic above captures the must do actions what Gurbak Singh and Nishab Singh Debi had laid down in order to reclaim the past glory. Here is to them.
To the Players
The players must be very very hungry for success – We must win all matches each time every time. That hunger has to be ingrained in every player. Losses should be taken as one of great disappointment with a vow to win the next match at any cost. Develop panther-like killer instinct (it’s absent).
Apply mind games to the opposition – Good boy approach has to go. Make the opposition players angry with your body language spelling disdain for them, glare at them, shout at them. These mind games if applied correctly are half the battle won.
To Infrastructural Development
Premium remuneration – The players must get remuneration which is best in the country. The financial security breeds confidence. It is very important for sourcing good talent.
More international matches – Expose the players to innumerable away matches. Let them play in different conditions, different turfs. Give quick reward to players performing exceptionally. More players mean good bench strength.
To Administration: Surmount the Insurmountables
Complete Overhaul of the System – Hockey Federation of India needs a complete reshaping wherein new set of administrators should take charge. Politics and nepotism should be done away with and another joke like Wrestling Federation of India should not be repeated.
Business Model la BCCI – Pump more money into the hockey system, make the players mind-happy securing them financially and ensure their families a good quality of life. It makes their world better. Reboot and refresh, let a Committee of Administrators run the show. The Committee should have two renowned ex hockey internationals, retired IAS officers, retired judge and one officer from BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) who can rein in the finances through negotiations with prominent sports broadcasters, both TV and digital.
You have to sell hockey to get the cash.
Hockey India mens’ chief coach Graham Reid has resigned from his post following the team’s dismal outing at the just concluded World Cup in Bhubaneshwar. India finished joint ninth with Argentina after failing to make it to the quarter final stage. It was not the result any of us wanted.
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey said though Reid’s tenure had brought good results in the past but as all journeys move to different phases it was now time for India to move on towards a new approach for the team.
We are all waiting Mr. Tirkey!!
Verdict: The entire exercise would need a gestation period of five to seven years to reap in the fruits of work.
If at all the model is worked through!
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Disclaimer : The names Gurbak Singh and Nishab Sing Debi are imaginary and do not hold resemblance to any person(s) dead or alive.
India is a force in almost everything now- Hockey will be the next !!
Dear Readers, please place your comments because Indian Hockey is really in a bad shape. Much needs to be done and with all sincerity! Thank you.