In India, Cricket is the only sport which gets coverage on almost daily basis – in print and as well as electronic media. We recognize almost all the cricketers of Team India by name and face! There is hardly any other game which can be called a close second to cricket. And as far as Hockey – our national game is concerned – barring a few veteran players like Pargat Singh and Dhanraj Pillai, hardly have we known others!
Cricket – as a game has been very well managed and marketed by the cricketing fraternity, especially in Indian context. And players like Kapil Dev, Gavaskar, Ganguly, Tendulkar, Sehwag, Dhoni, Yuvraj have excelled in the game and taken it to a new level. Whereas, no other sport in India can boast of raising the bar to a new level and having produced players like the iconic cricketers.
However, I always feel that other sports too must get their due and for hockey I feel it in a more pronounced way! Of late, some support is seen coming for Indian Hockey and off and on success of our national team has given me some solace and a flicker of hope that good days are ahead.
The just concluded Olympic Qualifiers has rekindled the hope in the heart of every of Indian with the par excellence performance of our hockey players. Hundred percent winning record in the Olympic Qualifier matches with convincing wins is a good reason to keep faith in the young, energetic and talented team to win the gold medal in London Olympics. And I wish that Michael Nobbs – the cool Coach – keeps up the good work of holding the team together and builds the momentum enough to roll over the best team in London!
It was pleasant to see this week - the cheerful hockey team on the front page and covering the entire space on the sports page – filled with hockey news articles and analysis in almost all the national dailies(beware Cricket fans!). I wish that this continues forever and Indian Hockey regains its past glory- the golden era – of winning only gold medals!
Only dreams come true! Let us dream and wish that India takes the top position on the podium.
Best of luck Team India!
madhukarmohan@gmail.com
