Paris Olympics: Looking Back at Indian Hockey Team's Gold Medal Triumph at Moscow 1980 with Skipper Vasudevan Bhaskaran

Add as a preferred source on Google

Vasudevan Baskaran, skipper of the victorious Indian men's hockey team at the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games, fondly recalls how winning the gold medal after a 16-year gap heralded a new era in Indian sports. In the title clash, India triumphed over Spain with a score of 4-3.

"After victory on the hockey field in Moscow, it changed the perception of the people in general that we have potential to excel at the world stage," the former Indian skipper tells myKhel. Follow the elaborated Paris Olympics coverage

Baskaran reminisces about the preparation for the Olympic Games, describing it as moderate. "There was no astroturf in India, and we had to practice on a cricket ground in Bengaluru to prepare for the 1980 Games," he recalls. "But our team was raring to go and did their best on the given day."

Astroturf was first introduced at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games, where the Indian hockey team finished seventh. India only got its first astroturf for hockey before the 1982 Asian Games held in Delhi.

However, the Indian team went to Moscow for a week-long practice on the astroturf in the Soviet Union (now Russia) ahead of the Olympic Games. Baskaran and Indian goalkeeper Bir Bharat Chetri had prior experience playing on the artificial surface as they had represented the country at the international level before the Moscow Games. "Despite shortcomings, all the players were super fit. It was a memorable debut for the majority of the players as we won gold," says the former captain.

Expectedly, there were celebrations post the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games victory, Baskaran added. The Indian contingent competed in eight disciplines, including athletics, basketball, boxing, and shooting at the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games, but only the hockey team won a gold medal.

According to Baskaran, the best thing after the Moscow victory in hockey was the then Tamil Nadu Chief Minister gifting him a three-bedroom flat in Chennai. "Players of the 1980 gold-winning team from other states were also felicitated and got incentives," he recalled. "There wasn't financial support like these days. It was a good gesture on the part of the then state governments to support hockey players."

Post-retirement, Baskaran took on the role of coach. He coached the Indian junior squad that won silver at the 1997 Junior World Cup held in Milton Keynes. He was also the coach of the senior national team at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. Unfortunately, the Indian team wasn't able to advance to the semis as they played a 1-1 draw against Poland.

Recalling his coaching stint with the national team, Baskaran remarked on the responsibility, saying, "It is the coach who always faces the axe, irrespective of the team's performance on the field."

Regarding the prospects of the current national team under South African coach Craig Fulton, Baskaran is optimistic about a good performance at the Paris Olympic Games starting July 26. He believes the current national team is well-prepared for a podium finish.

"The national team had good international exposure in the build-up months to the Paris Games. I believe they have a bright chance for a podium finish," he added. The Indian men's hockey team had won bronze at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games held in Japan in 2021.

Baskaran noted that hockey in India is now played on professional lines. "Players have the backing of the support staff," he added. "In our times, we just had one coach and no physio or masseur."

Reflecting on his illustrious career and the evolution of Indian hockey, Vasudevan Baskaran remains a pillar of inspiration and wisdom for future generations. His journey from leading India to Olympic gold to nurturing young talents underscores his unwavering commitment to the sport.

As India prepares for the Paris Olympic Games, Baskaran's insights and experiences serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of Indian hockey, reminding us all of the rich legacy and bright future that lies ahead for the national team.