New Delhi [India], October 13 (ANI): Indian hockey, for a few years and a long time, was thought-about to be the gold customary. With a tally of 8 Gold Medals, 1 Silver and 4 Bronze Medals, totalling 13 medals on the Olympic Games, India has effectively and really set the requirements. And somebody who watched it from very shut quarters for a very long time is Ashok Kumar, an Olympic medallist in 1972 in Munich and a World Cup winner in 1975, and in addition son of the legendary Dhyan Chand.
In 1928, the Indian Men’s Hockey Team gained its first Olympic gold medal and till 1960, the Indian Men’s Hockey Team remained unbeaten on the Olympics, successful six gold medals on the bounce.
‘Even earlier than the 1928 Olympics, the Indian Men’s Hockey Team was enjoying good hockey, and the very first time that we performed the Olympics, Dhyan Chand was part of the workforce. From there the wonderful journey of hockey in India started as we confirmed the world, with our talent and aptitude. And to be at a degree the place we’re celebrating 100 years within the sport, it’s a nice achievement for Indian hockey,’ Ashok Kumar stated, in line with Hockey India launch.
Ashok Kumar was a part of the Indian workforce that gained their final World Cup title, in 1975 in Kuala Lumpur, the place he scored the successful aim in opposition to Pakistan within the closing. He additionally has a Bronze from the 1971 Barcelona World Cup, and a Silver from the 1973 Amsterdam World Cup. While the 1975 title is India’s solely World Cup title, Ashok Kumar is one in all few gamers to have all three World Cup medals.
Taking a stroll down reminiscence lane, Ashok Kumar, who was identified for his distinctive ball management and abilities, stated, ‘There was a time when the curiosity was in hockey, the best way it’s in cricket now. India has had some unbelievable gamers, who’ve left a powerful legacy. The likes of Dhyan Chand, KD Singh, Balbir Singh Sr and plenty of extra gamers. The complete nation would observe Indian hockey very intently, and in that period, everybody performed hockey.’
‘The information that India have in hockey, the double hat-trick of medals, and the craze that was seen for the Indian hockey workforce was unbelievable. Doing so effectively on the Olympics, which is the top of sports activities, tells a narrative,’ he added.
After the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow, India needed to wait one other 4 a long time earlier than one other medal got here by, within the type of a Bronze on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. And 4 years later, there was one other Bronze, on the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Ashok Kumar believes that the present Indian workforce undoubtedly has what is required to succeed on the highest ranges. ‘Our current workforce, they’re enjoying with a whole lot of confidence and they don’t seem to be missing in something. Whether or not it’s the preparation or the execution, it’s a very robust workforce. The Indian Men’s and Women’s Hockey Teams are each doing effectively, and it’s their time to carry out and shine on the highest stage.’ (ANI)