Hockey: Indians make an impact with gritty performances

Men’s team regains the Asian Games crown after 16 years; women win bronze

December 26, 2014 12:10 am | Updated November 16, 2021 07:08 pm IST

The Asian Games gold at Incheon this year instilled a lot of self-confidence in the Indian players.

The Asian Games gold at Incheon this year instilled a lot of self-confidence in the Indian players.

Never before has the Indian hockey team won an Asian Games gold, a Commonwealth Games silver and a fourth spot in the Champions Trophy in the same calendar year. Add to this a sixth-place finish in the World League Final and Year 2014 presents a picture of prosperity in terms of achievements at the elite stage.

Despite a hectic calendar, the Indian players made an impact with a series of gritty performances. They beat four top-ranked teams — Australia, the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium — to showcase their potential.

The year started with the World League in Delhi, where India regrouped under chief coach Terry Walsh to creditably take the sixth position.

Walsh gave priority to the process in place over instant results and backed the boys even though India managed a ninth place slot in the World Cup in The Hague.

The Aussie worked out a method, combining organised structures and attacking style of play, and India benefited from it.

In the Commonwealth Games, the country gave a good account of itself to retain the silver medal.

India made history of sorts by regaining the Asia Games crown after 16 years. It was double delight as the achievement earned the country a berth in the 2016 Rio Olympics. It also instilled a lot of self-confidence in the players.

However, Walsh’s resignation on the heels of the success left everyone shocked. The Aussie demanded more freedom in decision making and the provision to work from his home base when the team was not busy with any camp or tournament.

This got a new twist when Hockey India (HI) President Narinder Batra asked the Aussie to clarify USA Hockey’s allegations of “financial irregularities” against him and said HI would appoint a new coach in the New Year. The team, nevertheless, continued to perform well and beat Australia 3-1 in a series Down Under.

The ninth-ranked side shrugged off a poor start in the Champions Trophy in Bhubaneswar to beat World Cup silver medallist, the Netherlands, and Belgium to make the semifinals.

On the domestic front, Hockey India League (HIL), which saw Delhi Waveriders take the title in 2014, handled a mini setback well by finding substitutes for two franchises who pulled out before the third edition.

Internationally, Ric Charlesworth coached Australia to its second successive World title before bidding adieu.

While trying to come to terms with the changes, the Commonwealth Games winner managed a bronze medal in the Champions Trophy.

Germany, which had some below-par showings, made a strong turnaround by claiming its 10th Champions Trophy title.

Pakistan surprised all by making the final of the event after 16 years.

In the women’s section, Argentina edged out Australia to bag the Champions Trophy and give a befitting farewell to the legendary Luciana Aymar. Host the Netherlands defeated Australia to win the World Cup

India, which had a mixed year, took pride in its Asian Games bronze medal.

The women’s team coach Neil Hawgood unexpectedly put in his papers, necessitating the search for his replacement as well in 2015.

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