The Indian hockey team got the better of Ireland and Argentina and earned six points from four games so far in this edition of the Summer Games. Even though they were defeated by higher-ranked Germany and Netherlands, the goal margins were only one in both the matches, thus confirming the passage into the knockout stage because of fifth-placed Ireland are at a lowly 5th and won’t be able to overtake them anymore with a game in hand.
Optimism was at an all-time high before this team took to the turf in Rio de Janerio. And now it has gone higher, thanks to this team's qualification after 36 long years.
But when it comes to hockey not being India’s national sport, the answer is as simple as ‘Who Cares’.
Ask people on the streets what India's national sport is. There are high chances of you getting hockey as an answer. Yes, there will be few people saying, "No, India's national sport is not hockey".
Not just that, the very next moment they will proceed to explain that India doesn't have a national sport. I'm not negating the importance of the realization that hockey is not our national sport. But think about that 'adopted' kid who finds out that his parents are actual foster parents. Does that matter? Yes, a momentary feeling of unease is there but it passes away soon. Because that won't change anything. Same with hockey.
Making its Olympic debut at the 1928 Games, Indian hockey team finished with a gold without conceding a single goal. Dhyan Chand and his team mesmerized the world with his dazzling skills. From 1928 to 1956, Indian hockey juggernaut won six straight Olympic gold medals scoring 178 goals and conceding only 7 in the process.
Also Read: The future of Indian hockey is bright, it's high time we start caring
Till 1980, we have won 11 medals in hockey. Compare that to an Olympic sport. There hasn't been any other sport which have given us so many reasons to be proud of.
After 1980, we have not won even a single hockey gold. It was during those times that cricket was making a name in the subcontinent. In 2008 we failed to qualify for Olympics and in 2012 we finished last.
While the winning graph showed continuously decreasing function, consistent performances in the last two years have propelled India to the 5th rank in the world.
Consider the national team's successful outing in Asian Games, Hockey World League, Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, and Champions Trophy. The latter fetched India a medal for the first time in 38 years. After the fracas over coaching that took place over the last couple of years, it seems that stability has been achieved by Indian hockey.
Yes, there is no national game but to choose a sport, it can be factored into popularity, success in international level, acceptability in the country, and even the heritage of the sport. Hockey had support all right, but not wide enough and not deep enough to dominate national interest. But lately, hockey seems to be returning back as a popular sport.
Come again let us show our love for this beautiful game now. This is a game which does not require a one-man army but what it needs is the tremendous team effort and behind it its crazy and energetic fans.
The triumphs on the international stage may not seem stupendous, but Olympic glory will surely bring back the heyday of Indian hockey. Then we would be able to identify ‘stars’ in our hockey. Stars, who would inspire many more young kids to look up to them as well and not only to the Tendulkars and the Dhonis.
With India's qualification after 36 long years and celebrations in the country, the real test of Indian hockey’s progress will be measured now. It's high time we gratefully accept hockey as our unofficial national sport.
