SURGICAL STRIKE FOR GOLD

Vijay Anand

On the day on Diwali, India gifted not only the Indian hockey fans but the whole nation the perfect gift. They defeated arch rival Pakistan at Malaysia and won Asian Champions trophy for the second time. The victory was a true tribute (as per Indian goalkeeper-captain Sreejesh) to Indian martyr soldiers amid high tension at the border.

India played like a champion throughout the tournament. Sreejesh was handed over the captain’s armband but sadly, after just one full game, he got injury and Akash Chikte carried the entire burden. In the first game, men in blues taught samurai’s the toughest possible lesson. 2 digit score line in conceded goals is just too humiliating for any team. Indians tamed dragon (China). In league phase, games against Korea, Malaysia and Pakistan offered resistance but India prevailed and avoided any defeat.

Against Korea, we have tough time both in the league game and in the Semis. Akash faced toughest test of his life, under the bar in shoot out. That topsy turvy penalty strokes switched momentum from one end to the other and ultimately Akash hold nerves. In the final, hearts came to mouth when Pakistan leveled the score from 2 goals down. 51^st minute proved lucky and India snatched the winner from clever play of Coorg boy Nikkin Thimaiah.

India got some good and some bad lessons from the tournament. Rupinder pal finished as the top scorer. He is now becoming ‘Sohail Abbas of the team’. Due to him, penalty corner conversion rate of India crossed 50% success rate, more than any team of the world. Jasjit is an all rounder. He was everywhere and a good drag flicker as well. Affan Yousuf is maturing. Ramandeep is providing interesting passes that were converted in goals. Chiglinsana and Virendra Lakra are the bed rock of Indian defense part.

But there were some blushes. Suspension of Surendra Kumar is an example of it. India is known in the world for fair hockey. The adventurism and rush of blood that he showed is a blot on proud tradition. Sardar committed some error in the defense. Pakistani equalizer in the final was all due to his slackness. Akash Chikte has to learn a lot in stopping penalty corners. India tried different positioning of players and various combinations. It worked little. Akashdeep was off colour. Field goals came few and far between. Field goal scorings were India’s forte. Now these are short in supply. India lacked physical fitness. Game against Korea who were very sharp and quick is a example of the shortcoming.

Finally, with the win, world no. 6 India is sure to climb a few spots in the rankings. Twitter and other social media were fill with comments like baap to baap hota hai, boys in green can cry again etc. Well, this surgical strike was for real!!