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The year of 2014 would be remembered as the year when Indian Hockey team turned over a new leaf and delivered some memorable performances and wins that caught the imagination of the whole nation.The Sardar singh led team rolled back the golden years of Hockey with some delightful performances displaying the old skilful style of playing hockey.Gold in the Asian Games, direct qualification to the Rio Olympics and silver in the Commonwealth Games were some of the highlights of the glittering year which exhibited Indian Hockey at its very best.We take a look at the five factors that brought about this promising change in the Indian Hockey and contributed to its huge success.
#5 Indian Captain Sardar Singh\'s inspirational Leadership.
India’s meteroic rise in hockey this year has to be credited to the cohesive performances by the whole team. However, what made this team a cohesive unit is the able leadership and guidance of Indian Captain Sardar Singh. Sardar not only inspired the youngsters, but also led by example by having a near perfect game everytime he stepped on the field. His ability to chalk out the best from the youngsters helped India’s cause.
Gifted with a superb hockey brain, he has been the binding force of the team and an inspiration for youngsters. His non-chalant attitude and steady temperament during tense moments motivated the whole team not to lose ground till the dying embers of the match.
#4 Important contribution from the Youngsters.
What really clicked for Indian hockey in 2014 has been the sheer contribution from youngsters in the team. Akashdeep, Gurjinder, Mandeep , Manpreet, Sunil, Nikkin and so on, all the young blood chipped in & played their part efficiently.Their fresh legs and energetic performances gave the Indian side a different look and did the trick everytime.
Be it the hattrick of Mandeep Singh in the Hero Hockey World League against Germany or Akashdeep’s all important goals in the Commonwealth and Asian Games, the young guns fired on all cylinders and emerged as true winners.They didn’t let their inexperience be an hindrance and dished out some gutsy performances for the Indian Team.
#3 Impact of Hockey India League
Hockey India League, an IPL styled hockey league started in 2013 has done a yeoman service for Indian Hockey. The league has helped youngsters rub shoulders with the very best International hockey players and hone their skills in the company of these greats. It has added an extra dose of professionalism into the junior players who basically hail from the hinterlands and are unaware about the modern technique and strategy.
The result is evident for everyone to see as most of the junior players have done exceptionally well for the senior team. The league has also assisted the senior players to understand the game of their International counterparts inside out, which has come handy while playing against them in international matches.
#2 Indian Custodian P.R. Sreejesh\'s superb form
The Indian vice-captain P.R. Sreejesh’s performances between the sticks has been phenomenal throughout the year. When everyone faltered , the Indian goalie stood tall and punched above its weight to eke out impossible wins for the national team. It was because of his heroic saves in the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games that ensured medals for the Indian side. In the recently concluded Champions Trophy, his brilliant performances was duly rewarded when he was adjudged as the best goalkeeper of the tournament. It’s a great achievement considering the fact that Champions Trophy had some of the best keepers in the business.
It’s no hidden fact that without the superb services of Sreejesh, all the important wins this year would have been a pipe-dream.
#1 The Terry Walsh Effect.
When the australian Terry Walsh took over the reins as the head coach in the end of 2013, Indian Hockey was at its lowest ebb.Barring a Asia Cup silver, Indian team success was limited to sub-continent only.However, life under new coach Walsh also turned out to be far from smooth as India finished disappointing sixth in the Hero Hockey World League (HWL) Finals.It was followed by another poor outing in the World Cup in Hague where India setlled for a lowly ninth position in the tournament.
Despite the early setback, Walsh ushered a sea change in the training method and basic fitness of the players.He backed his young players to the hilt and slowly the results started pouring in. Silver medal performance in Glasgow was bettered in the Asian Games where India clinched Gold after a hiatus of 16 years and booked a direct ticket to the Rio Olympics.
Although his resignation post victory left a bitter taste, his contribution to the overall success of the team this year is noteworthy.He is the man responsible for bringing a winning mentality in the team.
