Denzil Fernandes, Dubai

Well done India ! Despite two defeats earlier in the round robin matches of the Azlan Shah Hockey Cup in Malaysia, the young Indian hockey team went on to win all their 4 remaining matches and entered the finals of the Azlan Shah Tournament in Malaysia eventually losing to a far superior Argentina by the odd goal in three. If you recall, Argentina had routed the Indians by a bigger margin in the earlier league encounter in the same Cup. After the sad exit of the Indians from the Olympic qualification earlier in the year, this win should come as a much needed boost for Indian hockey.

Right now, the entire game is at sixes and sevens in India with the Indian Hockey Federation being taken over by the Indian Olympic Association to run the game. This was after the shoddy handling by the officials of IHF which saw the country's rating do down like nine pins. One hopes that the young lads will prove to be a ray of hope as India start rebuilding their team. It is a long and hard path ahead with the game losing its popularity by and large in the country. The famous dribblers of the glory days are a thing of the past unfortunately.

Moreover, there are other attractions than hockey for the youngsters to follow and prosper. Will the good showing in Malaysia be a boost for Indian hockey? Are we going to see the revival of the game and capture our old golden days? Only time will tell. A country which saw the likes of Dhyan Chand, Roop Chand, Balbir Singh, Claudius, Ajit pal Singh and so many other silken stars is dying for those glorious days of old. The need is for India to start scoring goals and be counted among the greats of the game of hockey like yore. As a side thought, it would not be a bad idea if the BCCI took note of Indian hockey's down slide and started backing them financially and help in the revival. That will be a great service by the Cricket Board which will generate plenty of goodwill and admiration for the filthy rich body.

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