Why Indian Hockey and emotions at Paris 2024 Olympics are inseparable

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It is not for nothing, there is a very strong emotional connect between India and hockey at the Olympics. The rich history of the past has always been awe-inspiring, though, for almost 41 years, the same sport was rubbished and abused for failure to win medals in the Olympics.

If, today, one rewinds to the dark days of the Covid pandemic, and recalls what Team India achieved in the Tokyo Olympics, one is flooded by a whirlpool of emotions. Come on, for so long, the team had prepared well before the Olympic dream went bust. Paris 2024 Special Page

Memories from that bronze medal match in August 2021, are stored for posterity, where India defeated strong Germany 5-4 for bronze. How can one forget the efforts of Simranjeet Singh, who pumped in two goals, while Hardik Singh, Harmanpreet Singh and Rupinder Pal Singh accounted for one goal each? This medal was, indeed, a historic one after the highs of Moscow in 1980, in a diluted field.

For a nation which had won eight gold, two silver and two bronze medals before the Tokyo effort, hockey has generated intense passion among fans. For those who were lucky enough to see pure and pristine hockey played on grass (natural turf), the wizardry of Late Dhyan Chand, and of course, Late Balbir Singh, a triple Olympian, can never be forgotten. To recall many more heroes from that golden era will be historical, but the context is present - the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Diving into archives of hockey from the past are not as good as cricket, yet for those who want to recall the artistry and mesmerising skills of Dhyan Chand, the stick was always glued to the ball. Today, from wooden sticks to graphite versions, everything has changed. Yes, the game is speedier, where there is no room, any longer, for individual skills. The age-old pyramid formation 5-3-2-1 is history.

It took many years and experimentation for Indian hockey to learn that the sport is now modern, and 'total hockey' alone will work against Europeans and a perpetual pest in Argentina. The South American nation had troubled India many times in the past.

If all this is a historical perspective, the build-up to Tokyo was not fluent. To have an Aussie as a coach, Graham Reid, was a blessing. Indian hockey has seen plenty of hiring and firing of coaches in, almost, a ruthless manner. Reid flew back to Australia last year and the current replacement, Craig Fulton barely had time to prepare the team for the Asian Games in Hangzhou.

Each time the Indian team underwent a change in leadership and coaching methods, adaptation was not easy. It is no secret most hockey players are from rustic backgrounds. What still enables them to be able to strike a rapport with the coach, Fulton, at present is one language - hockey. Nobody complains about the coach not knowing Hindi, for the bonding among team members is so tight.

When Fulton took over the reins, very close to the Asian Games last year in Hangzhou, China, it was tricky. To the South African's credit, he slipped into the role very smoothly. And when India won gold in the Asian Games, the Paris 2024 berth was sealed.

"I knew that coming to India and preparing the team will not be easy. It's a huge sigh of relief for me," said Fulton on arrival in New Delhi in October 2023. Today, the coach and the entire hockey bunch of players are aware, that the pressure of expectation is sky-high. The problem with Indian fans is, especially in hockey, emotions run high. Winning a medal is a wish as well as a demand.

So, to think India will easily win a medal in Paris 2024 needs a reality check. There has been churning in the side and fresh legs have been added to the squad. What is also relevant is how two players heading into their fourth Olympics, both former captains, PR Sreejesh and Manpreet Singh are ready to be just team members. No egos, just play for the country and groom the youngsters.

An Olympic journey is one of thrill and wanting to play their hearts out for India. Today, the Indian players are right up there in terms of fitness, speed and endurance. Measured on the Yo-Yo scale, the Indian players are robust and full of energy. From the stands, it looks like just one coach at work. No, there is a massive support system in place from physios to doctors, strength and conditioning experts to mental health gurus.

Not one player will complain of fatigue burn-out or feeling jaded. And for those who think recent results are not good in exposure tours, don't go too deep into it. This Indian hockey team is drilled well and has trained very hard. If promises could result in a medal, India will win one in the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Predictions in sport can go haywire, just as pollsters try and crystal ball gaze at what will happen in General Elections, and get it wrong. How is the "Josh" in Team India? Very high, as they head into Paris with hockey sticks, shin guards and all necessary gear. This team will stretch every sinew and try and win matches. A medal? Let's wait.