Doomsday for Indian Hockey: India fail to qualify for Beijing Olympics

--By Sagar Satapathy, Editor-in-Chief

In the wee hours of March 10, 2008, Indian hockey that has a glorious past to cherish, failed to survive the doomsday and died an unnatural death. For the first time since 1928, India failed to secure an Olympic berth, when they went down tamely to Great Britain in the Olympic Hockey qualifier final. It was a sad exit for India. While our cricketers continue to bring glory to the nation, Indian hockey players dashed the hopes of more than a billion people that take pride in saying that 'Hockey' is their National Sport.

India had seen a golden era in Hockey, when our players won six consecutive Olympics gold medals from 1928 (Amsterdam) to 1956 (Melbourne). India later went on to add two more Olympic gold medals in 1964 (Tokyo) and 1980 (Moscow). In addition, India had won 1 silver and 2 bronze medals in Olympic Hockey. None other country has achieved this milestone.

Ironically, after 80 years of the beginning of its golden era, Indian hockey players let their country down by failing to secure an Olympic growth. In all probability, Indian hockey is set to meet the fate of Indian soccer.

When the team lost to Britain 2-3 in the league match in Chile, people feared that India might not be able to qualify for the Olympics. But they still hoped that their players would rise to the occasion and prove their excellence. Sadly, it did not happen. They players performed below par and let the country down. Indian hockey team's dismal performance can be attributed to poor preparation, mismanagement and players' lack of enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, Chief Hockey Coach Joaquim Carvalho and his support staff have resigned after India's humiliating loss. The latest NDTV reports suggest that Narendra Batra, Vice President of IHF, too resigned. The nation is outraged over India's humiliating exit and there have been demands for K P S Gill's head too. A large section of people have demanded to dissolve the IHF with immediate effect.

Some of these hockey players complained and even had gone on a hunger strike when cash rewards were showered on Indian cricket team after their Twenty20 World Cup triumph. They accused the government and administration of a step-motherly attitude. Now they must understand the difference.

Although there is hardly any hope for the revival of Indian hockey, the first casualty should be IHF President Mr. K P S Gill who played a crucial role in ruining the national sport of the country. There will be no 'Chak De' for Indian hockey if he stays on.