indian hoCkEy
in Crisis
There was a time when Hockey
and India were synonymous.
Today, no country has even won
half the number of the Olympic
hockey golds (eight) that India have.
To regard failure to qualify for the
Olympics for the first time ever after
18 successive appearances as a
‘disappointment’ would be a gross
understatement. It is a national
tragedy.
“A huge national disaster. This
decline did not happen in one day,
the hockey federation just did not
seem interested in noticing and
arresting the decline.” said Ashok
Kumar, former India captain, son of
OLYMPIC
legendary Dhyan Chand and scorer
of the winning goal in the final of the
WatCH: A tribute to Indian Hockey
1975 World Cup (India’s lone World
Cup success).
people who are associated with Indian hockey
WHat nEXt? especially the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF).
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) However, with Carvallho still retained as
had already begun its project, Promoting the chief coach Charlesworth’s position is
Indian Hockey, and the central plank of still unclear. Bob Davidzon, Director, Project
that was to appoint Australian legend, Rik India, is also not satisfied with the progress
Charlesworth as ‘technical advisor’. But he on the project.
has reiterated many times that he has no On 21st of April, IHF secretary

magic wand: ”To make India a real medal Jothikumaran, was exposed by a news
DISASTER
contender at world level, it will take at least channel’s sting operation showing him
five years of concerted efforts in all spheres: taking money to get a player selected for the
infrastructure, facilities, grass root coaching, national team. Taking all the problems of a
selection and competition.” To implement shrinking talent pool, a decreasing media
his long term plans to bring Indian hockey interest, an inefficient and corrupt hierarchy,
out of the abyss he will need to have not only and IHF stubbornness it’s easy to guess the
a free hand but also the support of all the future of Indian hockey.
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22