KOCHI: When the Indian men’s hockey team stepped onto the field at the 2024 Paris Olympics, they carried the weight of a nation’s hopes and the responsibility of a century-old legacy. Though the golden era of Indian hockey – from the late 1920s to the mid-1950s – has long passed, recent years have seen concerted efforts to rebuild and reclaim past glories.
Team India ended a four-decade medal drought with a bronze in Tokyo. Though unable to surpass that achievement, the team equalled it in Paris, marking steady progress.
The squad’s journey was fraught with challenges and intense moments, none more so than the quarter-final against Great Britain, which pushed the Indian team to its limits.
Midfielder Hardik Singh, one of the standout performers, encapsulates the team’s spirit throughout the tournament. “After Amit [Rohidas] received a red card, we played with a man down for about 40 minutes. It was a true test of our spirit,” he reflects.
For the uninitiated, playing a man down in a sport as fast-paced and physically demanding as hockey is a monumental challenge, one that can often lead to a disaster. Yet the team defied the odds.
“We put everything on the line. We ran, jumped, scrambled for every ball, and if one of us faltered, a teammate was there to cover," Hardik says.
Vivek Sagar Prasad, a key figure in the midfield, echoes this sentiment. “The forwards pressed every pass, the midfielders filled every gap, the defenders blocked every shot, and if anything got through, Sreejesh [the goalkeeper] was there,” he says.
P R Sreejesh, the veteran goalkeeper whose penalty shootout heroics have cemented his place as a legend in Indian hockey history, announced his retirement after the Olympics. “Sreejesh is the embodiment of patience,” says Hardik. “His professionalism throughout his career is immense, and we all strive to emulate him.”
The road to their bronze medal was not without its setbacks. After an impressive group stage, where India defeated New Zealand, Ireland and Australia, hopes soared for a gold-medal finish. However, in the semi-finals, Germany outplayed them, dashing those dreams.
It would have been easy to lose heart, but the team regrouped for the bronze-medal match against Spain. “We were determined to come back with a medal,” Hardik recalls.
“The game against Spain had my heart racing. It was such a relief when the final whistle blew, and we knew we had secured the bronze.”
Off the field, both players credit mental preparation for their success. The pressure of representing India at the Olympics can be overwhelming, especially in a sport where expectations run so high. To manage this, the team made a conscious decision to minimise distractions, particularly by avoiding social media during the tournament.
“Expectations were high from both fans and ourselves,” Hardik explains. “But staying off social media in Paris helped us remain focused and grounded.”
For the team, this victory was more than a personal triumph; it was a tribute to India’s rich hockey heritage. India once dominated the sport, winning eight Olympic gold medals, beginning in 1928.
However, with advancements in sports technology and training techniques, the country was left behind. That makes the recent triumphs vital, and commendable.
“There’s always room for improvement,” says Hardik. “Penalty corner defences have become stronger, so we need more variations in our routines.”
Vivek highlights the need for more field goals, which come from open play rather than penalty corners or set pieces. “Teams have figured out how to defend against drag flicks, so improving our field goal scoring is crucial,” he adds.
For the 2028 Olympics, four years away, the squad already has its sights firmly set on gold.