JOIN USIndia eye a flier against Lanka
The Indian men’s hockey team will hit the turf against minnows Sri Lanka on Sunday, aiming to make the most of the game in what could be a ‘path-breaking’ two weeks.
Not since 1998 Bangkok has the gold adorned their necks, with the slide from their heady days at the global level written about time and again. However, a third Asiad gold here will confirm their ticket to 2016 Rio Olympics, setting the path of revival many fans have been craving for. How they go about the task in the new format -- four quarters of 15 minutes each – will be watched with interest.
Qualification to the knock-outs in a group containing Oman, China and Pakistan appears a mere formality with the game against arch-rivals set to decide the top two slots.
Just like India, Pakistan too are a force on the wane, the nadir being not qualifying for the World Cup this summer, a tournament which they helped conceive. The Asian Games offers them also a chance to set things rights back home and should they advance to the final along with India, a riveting contest could be on the cards.
However, Korea and Malaysia lie in wait as party-poopers. Both of them are pitted together in the other group and, on paper, appear to make the semifinal cut where they could meet either India or Pakistan. Korea and Malaysia have caused surprises in the past, notching up some fine wins over both India and Pakistan, proving they are almost equals to them in modern hockey.
The Indian team, the same that played the Commowealth Games in Glasgow where they won a silver, appears well balanced with a mix of youth and experience. A work on progress still, they can fancy their chances of landing the spoils if they play to their potential. Coach Terry Walsh had expressed the confidence that the team will be able to strike gold this time, his confidence stemming from the final entry at the Commonwealth Games. Whether that confidence is justified will be evident over the coming days.
The schedule: Men: Sept 21: India vs Sri Lanka; Sept 23: India vs Oman; Sept 25: India vs Pakistan; Sept 27: India vs China; Sept 30: Semifinals; Final: Oct 2.Women: Sept 22: India vs Thailand; Sept 24: India vs China; Sept 26: India vs Malaysia; Sept 30: Semifinals; Oct 1: Final.