SKannan in Paris
Any attempt to blame the Indian hockey team for their narrow 2-3 loss to Germany in a tense semi-final at the Paris Olympics would be ridiculous. Minus Amit Rohidas, the Indian team was at a major disadvantage as he had been a major factor as the first rusher during penalty corners. In the end, when social media experts and even Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey blamed the lack of penalty corner conversion for this painful defeat, it showed a lack of sensitivity.
First things first, the way Harmanpreet Singh, PR Sreejesh and the other players performed in this Olympics, the results were above expectations. To beat Australia was a high point, something which happened on the Olympic stage after 52 years. Then again, one cannot forget that India had defeated Germany in the bronze medal playoff match at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.It was one of the most sensational wins, to get back on the podium after more than four decades.
Back to the match on Tuesday, and Germany played efficiently. For the most part, they played second fiddle but when they had to show quick presence of mind and score, they achieved it. As the final hooter went and Indian coach Craig Fulton threw his clipboardto the ground, the frustration was evident. Fulton has been with this team for less than a year and has worked wonders. He has not talked too much and even when the team won a gold at the Asian Games in Hangzhou last year, he was well in control of his emotions.
For more Olympic information regarding Vinesh Phogat:
Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification details: What went down? https://t.co/ZFPr4kEYac
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) August 7, 2024
On Wednesday, India will go back to the drawing board. They will face Spain on Thursday in the bronze-medal playoff match. This will be a very important match, and India will need a repeat of what happened in Tokyo, when they beat Germany. The return of Rohidas is good news and he will be hoping to once again prove himself in this high-stakes game.
From an emotional viewpoint, India’s evergreen star Sreejesh and even Manpreet Singh will do anything it takes to get past Spain, as even winning a bronze medal will be a high point after decades of pain. The way Team India played in Paris 2024, the efforts looked better than Tokyo. One last chance, one great fight, and India can win a medal. They have prayers from billions back home.
If a good omen is needed, the last time these two teams met in a match of such importance, India beat Spain 4-3 to win gold at the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
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