Zafar Iqbal smiles at the suggestion that India's lone podium finish in the Champions Trophy, a bronze in the 1982 edition, be rated among the nation’s best hockey achievements.
As India hosts the 35th edition of the Champions Trophy in Bhubaneswar from December 6, Zafar and Rajinder Singh (Sr.), who played prominent roles in the 1982 event, recalled the proud moment in Amstelveen, the Netherlands.
After beating USSR (4-2) and West Germany (3-2), India lost to the host 5-2. However, its comeback 5-4 win against Pakistan helped India ensure a medal. Incidentally, India lost comprehensively 7-2 to Australia in the last engagement. The Netherlands lifted the trophy followed by Australia in second place.
Zafar and Rajinder agreed that the India-Pakistan encounter was the most memorable match of the tournament, where India rode on a brilliant hat-trick from the latter to come back from 0-3 and win 5-4.
“It was one of the best India-Pakistan matches ever played. Thanks to Rajinder's hat-trick, we made the turnaround. I remember scoring the winner,” said Zafar.
“It boosted our morale for the Asian Games, but we lost to Pakistan (7-1) at home. The 2-1 win against them in the Esanda Cup in Melbourne soothed our nerves.”
Rajinder, a tough defender and a proficient penalty corner expert of his time, shared some interesting tales from that epic match. “It was a good achievement considering we played on astro-turf and against the top teams of the world. A Pakistan sports goods manufacturer had given me a stick a few days before the match and I scored the hat-trick with that stick. Also, I broke my good friend Kalimullah's wrist while playing a shot.”
Zafar, a reputed left-winger, said the level of competition was higher in the Champions Trophy. “Now, some countries treat the Champions Trophy as an exposure trip for youngsters. However, in those days all the teams used to field their best players.”
Pointing out that in 13 appearances India had finished fourth six times, Rajinder said the team must sharpen its game in order to win another medal in Bhubaneswar.
“This year India may have done well in various tournaments, but this is the real test.”