India meet Argentina in hockey opener

Sydney: Asian Games champion India need a decisive victory over their 'Atlanta nemesis' Argentina in the crucial opening Pool 'B' match here on Saturday to keep their hopes alive for an Olympic hockey gold which has eluded the country for two decades.

It has been a far cry from the glorious heights of the past, which saw India winning eight gold, one silver and two bronze, an Olympic record in a single event.

The Indians are looking to rebound from the worst ever showing at the Olympics in Atlanta (1996), an eighth place finish which was precipitated by a shock opening game defeat against Argentina.

The Indian forwards will have to cut through the crowded and sturdy defence of the unorthodox Argentinians notwithstanding coach VasudevanBaskaran's assertion that his boys will attack from the word 'go'.

It is going to be a testing time for captain Ramandeep Singh and his boys and a lot will depend on the finesse of versatile forwards Dhanraj Pillay and veteran Mukesh Kumar. The present team has a blend of youth and experience.

On paper, India have a good forward line in Pillay, Mukesh, Baljit Singh Dhillon, Gaganjit Singh and Sameer Dad. But, the million dollar question is how effectively they convert the half chances and penalty corners.

India have a dependable half line, spearheaded by skipper Ramandeep, but the defence lacks exposure and so also Jude Menezes under the bar.

Seven members of the present team represented the country at the Atlanta and 10 at the Bangkok Asian Games where they landed a gold. For Dhanraj and Mukesh this will be the third successive Olympics and perhaps the last.

A win in the first essay will give the much-needed impetus, which will augur well in the matches against hosts Australia, Atlanta and World Cup runners-up Spain and Asian champions South Korea.

As a gold medal hope, the Indians have much at stake, whereas their Latin American rivals have nothing to lose. Argentina are here by default having failed to qualify.

India were to play against South Africa in the opening match, but the African Champions withdrew from the event following which Argentina, being at the top of the waiting list, got the nod.

UNI