HYDERABAD: It is no shame to lose to the mighty Australians in the Commonwealth Games hockey final, feels former India captain Dilip Tirkey. “There is an aura of invincibility around the Australians. They play all-round hockey. India and Pakistan dominated the world hockey in the 50s and 60s. When a big team like Netherlands could lose 1-6 in the World Cup final at their home ground, we should not be utterly disappointed. It always hurts when we lose a final but then Australia are a champion unbeaten side in the world,” said the former India defender, who was one of the best in the business during his playing days.
Tirkey was happy with India’s overall performance at Glasgow. “It was one of the best displays in international tournaments in recent times. The boys played good hockey and their confidence is back. It is now important to maintain that consistency. It was a much improved display than the World Cup and given the CWG show, I would not hesitate to say we are one of the favourites to win the gold medal at the forthcoming Asian Games at Incheon in South Korea. We need to remain focussed for the big event,” he said.
CWG is much tougher than the Asian Games, Tirkey said. “At Glasgow, we had world class teams like Australia, New Zealand and England. But in Asian Games, we will have teams like Pakistan, South Korea, Malaysia, who are not in the same league as these CWG teams or European teams. The Indian game has improved and have shown better results than some of the Asian teams. The standard in Asian level has come down drastically.”
The game has changed and is played at a frenetic pace, says Tirkey. “The attacks are carried out swiftly. The defenders are therefore always under pressure, mentally and physically,” he said.
Tirkey said the Australian forwards and defenders tackle and possess the ball well. “They don’t waste a single second with the ball. They are on the attack every time they possess the ball and their passing has been immaculate.Their fitness is high on the agenda.”
It all comes down to fitness, which has become very important in modern hockey. “In the past, there were few runs and sit-ups. But it is more than that now. There are specialised exercises and good amount of time is spent on fitness. The Indians have improved in this aspect but still there is a lot of room for improvement,” he said.
Tirkey was happy with the work of goalkeeper Sreejesh, and defenders Rupinderpal Singh and Raghunath. “Sreejesh is confident. Rupinder is solid with coverage and clearance of the ball. Raghunath has also improved but he needs to be little more consistent. But Sardar Singh is awesome. His ball control, speed and ball distribution is very good. He is a world class player,” Tirkey said.
The former captain said the Indian team was able to absorb pressure during tight situations at Glasgow. “They have to continue with that good work. But I’m worried on the penalty corner conversions. Although they improved in CWG, Rupinder and Raghunath need to try more variations. The forwards should also try to get penalty corners,” he concluded.
Warm Welcome for Sardar & Co
New Delhi: With the Games silver proudly hanging by their necks, the Indian men’s hockey team returned home to a rousing welcome by Hockey India (HI), Indian Olympic Association (IOA), fans and friends at the Indira Gandhi International airport here. The team beat New Zealand 3-2 in the semifinals after trailing by two goals. The Sardar Singh-led side then ran into Australia again in Glasgow and lost 0-4 to the world champions. Delighted by the impressive welcome at the airport, midfielder and skipper Sardar Singh said, “I am more than happy to be back home.” Sardar’s fiancee, England hockey player Ashpal Kaur Bhogal (in pic), was also present in the airport to welcome the team.