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.

Indian hockey might have away from the spotlight for a while now but here comes a chance to be at the forefront as a new-look Indian side, under the helm of newly appointed coach, Terry Walsh, go into the inaugural Hero Hockey World League Final where the team will open their campaign against higher-ranked England on their home turf. Tough opponents further awaits them but that should be their worry at all.

Sardar Singh who will lead side, should see this as a perfect opportunity as to where does Indian hockey rank among the world greats. Even though, our side is ranked number 10. in the world, the tournament will provide India a perfect build up for the World Cup to be held later this year at The Hague, Netherlands. With the World’s top seven teams in fray here, India could not have asked for better preparation for the quadrennial event. India should consider themselves lucky to be one of the participating teams in the HWL Final. India are also slated to host the prestigious Champions Trophy later this year and it is now high time the past masters of the game take advantage of these big-ticket opportunities.

The past couple of years have been woeful to say the least. Apart from the silver medal in the Asia Cup, India didn’t have anything major to show in 2013. The Indians finished a disappointing sixth in the Hockey World League semi-finals in Rotterdam, but the tournament provides the eight-time Olympic champions a perfect stage to prove their detractors wrong. But a tough road lies ahead as heavyweights – Germany, Australia and Netherlands await. India are placed in Pool A along side reigning Olympic champions and world number one Germany, world No. 4 England and seventh-ranked New Zealand. Pool B consists of Australia, Netherlands, Belgium and Argentina.

Coach Terry Walsh, who took over from Michael Nobbs, has ‘other goals’ in sights. As quoted in the Times of India, Walsh says, “Our goal is improvement as we go through the tournament. We want to see improvement in four areas — physiological, psychological, tactical and basic skills.”

Even though, the Indian hockey team do not remain the ‘favourites’, the hope of playing at home conditions and without any favorable pressure, can add spark to success in cusp for glory.

With Agencies inputs

Photo: Hockey India

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