Thursday, January 9, 2014

Hockey World League Finals: India face English hurdle in tournament opener



 There wasn’t much to write home about for Indian hockey in 2013 – barring a silver medal effort in the 9th Asia Cup in Ipoh, the Blueshirts haven’t quite been able to bring the smile on the faces of their hockey fans.

But the FIH Hockey World League Finals presents them a wonderful opportunity to ring in the new year with a performance that convinces hockey lovers that they are indeed strong contenders for the 2014 World Cup to be held in The Haque, the Netherlands in four months time.

Clearly, the Sardar Singh-led Indian team will have to play out of their skins to produce a performance that instills fear among top nations like Australia, Germany, Netherlands and Belgium. The hosts are pitted in a tough Pool A alongside world number one Germany, 4th ranked England and 7th ranked New Zealand.

Coach Terry Walsh’s maiden assignment with the senior team will be a litmus test of how the team progressed under his wings after the exit of Michael Nobbs. Give the fact the year 2014 will feature several high-profile tourneys like the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games besides the World Cup, Walsh’s performance will be under the scanner – to put it frankly – he will be under pressure to deliver probably more than his predecessors like Michael Nobbs or Jose Brasa.

The year 2014 could decide how the road pans out for Walsh – a great showing in the big-ticket events will only shore up his credentials while a poor performances could derail his stay in the country.

To be fair, the national hockey selectors haven’t been able to field their full-strength side for most part of 2012 owing to injuries. The likes of Gurwinder Singh Chandi and Danish Mujtaba have spent the most of 2013 outside the playing arena – even SV Sunil and Akashdeep Singh were forced to miss key events on account of injuries.

Of course, the selectors have indicated in no uncertain terms that they are prefer young legs over ageing, under-performing seasoned players. At least for the the FIH Hockey World League Finals, the return of SV Sunil will be a big boost to the forwardline. Dharmavir Singh is another who brings a lot of experience to the side. So does Manipuri lad Chinglensana Singh having around in the senior fold for sometime now.

Comeback lad Yuvraj Walmiki will lend more thrust upfront and one hopes he vindicates his inclusion in the side. Mandeep Singh – India’s top goal-scorer in the FIH Hockey World League semifinals in Rotterdam – will be seeking to enhance his reputation as a goal-poacher. Affan Yousuf – one of the surprise picks in the side – will be determined to leave a stamp of performance in the tournament along with Nikkin Thimmaiah.

Sardar Singh will aim to lead from the front by playing more than a meaningful role in midfield – Manpreet Singh, Kothajit Singh, Birendra Lakra, MB Aiyappa will be looked upon to play the support cast roles to near-perfection.

Vice-captain PR Sreejesh will man the Indian cage and will be eye staunch support from the likes of Vokkaliga Raghunath, Rupinder Pal Singh and Amit Rohidas – India will hope for the trio to get an improved percentage with short corners.

India’s opening game against England is likely to set the tone for the tournament – mind you, England are a tough side with the likes of Barry Middleton and play-maker Ashley Jackson in their ranks. The home side would have good memories of beating them 3-1 in the 2012 Champions Trophy in Melbourne and can always take heart from that showing going into the tourney-opener.

India should back themselves to overcome New Zealand but Germany will be a tough nut to crack. A road to the semifinals is not beyond the realms of possibility, but it will be a tough ask nevertheless.

The Squad
Goalkeepers: PR Sreejesh (vice-Captain), Harjot Singh; Defenders: Rupinder Pal Singh, V R Raghunath, Kothajit Singh Khadangbam, Amit Rohidas; Midfielders: Sardar Singh (Captain), Birendra Lakra, S K Uthappa, Manpreet Singh, M B Aiyappa; Forwards: Nikkin Thimmaiah, S V Sunil, Mandeep Singh, Affan Yousuf, Yuvraj Walmiki, Dharamvir Singh, Chinglensana Singh Kangujam.

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