In a crunch match and that too, against arch-rivals Pakistan, the Indian hockey team wasted chances galore as they lost 2-1 in a key Pool B match at the Asian Games 2014.

Touted as a ‘must watch’ in the competition due to the rivalry amongst the two sides, as per expectations it turned out to be a thrilling contest.

Even though Pakistan edged out India in this riveting fixture, there are reasons to be cheerful for the Men In Blue. Despite the loss, the Indian hockey team shouldn’t be depressed or sad about the loss as the former have an edge in these 5 reasons mentioned below. What are those reasons, well, let’s find out:

1 – Pakistani actors in Bollywood
The Pakistan hockey fans and team can brag about the loss as much as they want but the Indian half could shut them up with one reason – their actors. Recently, the likes of Fawad Khan (Khoobsurat), Humaima Malik (Raja Natwarlal), Imran Abbas Naqvi (Creature 3D) and Ali Zafar have acted in Bollywood movies opposite top stars and directors. Most probably, they are earning recognition here, more, than that back in Pakistan’s Tollywood.

2 – Pakistan’s slip-up in the medal tally
Despite the lost, Pakistan has yet to hit the gold. Our neighbours are well below the medal tally, sitting 23rd in the table. Our count in the table (updated) is 17 to theirs 1 (bronze). So, cheer up Indians, all’s not lost here.

3 – We’ve got the Hockey India League
Have Pakistan got an IPL-styled hockey league? No, they haven’t that’s because India has one in the Hockey India League (HIL). Moreover, players from around the world including Germany and Australia play in the teams like Ranchi Rhinos and Delhi Waveriders. Even though Pakistan too has their players representing in the league, the former has yet to achieve big time on the global stage.

4 – Financially ahead
If our team is compared with Pakistan, in terms of finance, we are more stable. Pakistan hockey team, ever since the terror attacks have been unable to welcome any international sides in their arena for competitive games which has their governing board, hard.

5 – Our star studded line-up
Even though the Pakistan fans will rant about the win over India in the hockey match, the Men In Blue still have better players than their neighbours. Admit it, the likes of Sardar Singh, Rupinder Pal Singh, Mandeep Singh amongst others have the potential at the highest level unlike the Pakistan’s’ players.

So chin up Indian boys, it’s not over until it’s over!

The post 5 Reasons To Be Cheerful For The Indian Hockey Team Despite The Loss To Pakistan appeared first on Youngisthan.in.

With a satisfactory show in the Commonwealth Games behind them, the Indian contingent will be looking to take one step ahead as the much anticipated Asian Games 2014 kicks off in Incheon, China.

Last time India participated in the games, they won 14 gold medals which were held in Guangzhou four years ago. That was India’s best show of medals tally and will look to add more medals this time around with the list of athletes already gone through some chopping before arriving on the Chinese shores.

The Indian contingent consists of 516 athletes and 163 coaches and support staff who will participate in a total of 28 disciplines as against 35 last time around. So who are the athletes which can get the glory days to the nation? Can India win 20 gold medals this time around?

These athletes are our pride and the hopes are pinned on them. Who are they?

Yogeshwar Dutt (Wrestling):

One of the star names to be listed in the Indian contingent, Yogeshwar Dutt remains India’s best bet to win gold at the Incheon Asian Games 2014. After Sushil Kumar’s unavailability, Yogeshwar will look to end India’s 28-year wait for a wrestling gold, which was last won in 1986 by Kartar Singh. Dutt will wrestle in the 65kg freestyle.

PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal and Parupalli Kashyap (badminton):

After a historic bronze at the World Championships, Hyderabadi PV Sindhu will be looking to make amends and land India a medal. Saina Nehwal will be India’s best bet for a gold and so will P Kashyap, who will be making his mark in the men’s singles category.

Gagan Narang (shooting):

After bagging a silver and a bronze medal in 50-metre Rifle Prone and 50-metre Rifle 3 Position at the Commonwealth Games, ace shooter Gagan Narang will look to switch gears at the Asian Games with atleast a gold medal!

Preeja Sreedharan (athletics):

India have not produced a PT Usha in recent years but Preeja Sreedharan could make a mark in the relay events. After her gold medal win in Guangzhou four years ago in the 10000m event, Preeja can surely not be discounted this time around as well. At this year’s Asian Games, Preeja will be participating in the 5000m as well.

MC Marykom (boxing):

After raking in the vanilla points with a Bollywood biopic, boxer MC Marykom is all set to roar at the Asian Games 2014 after the frustration of failing to qualify for Glasgow CWG.

Deepika Kumari (archery): Indian archery has performed well over the years and that’s because of former world number one, Deepika Kumari. After having missed out on a bronze medal in Guangzhou four years ago, Deepika will be looking to make amends of the loss at the Asian Games in Incheon.

Indian hockey team:

The Indian hockey team has not performed well recently, with a poor show at the CWG as well. But Aussie coach Terry Walsh has taken a mixture of youth and experienced players to the Asian Games with skipper Sardar Singh leading from the front.

With the Asian Games all set to go in motion, every Indian fan will be inching to see their favourite athlete perform at the highest and earn a gold medal of the utmost honour!

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