Sir— This refers to the Editorial, “We for victory” (October 24). Indian men’s hockey team was once the dominating force in world hockey as they bagged as many as six Olympic gold medals between 1928 and 1956. Its total gold medals’ tally stood at eight after the V Baskaran- led team won the 1980 Moscow Olympics gold. Thereafter, Indian hockey was all about an odd medal here and a gritty performance there. Therefore, Manpreet Singh and his young team have sent spirits soaring by winning the Asia cup at Dhaka. That India outplayed Malaysia, as many times in the tournament as it had lost to them this year and traditional rivals Pakistan en route to the title was special. The fact that the team remained unbeaten in the tournament is a tribute to its all-round performance.
It is heartening that the unceremonious ouster of coach Roelant Oltmans has had no bearing on the team. Obviously, the new coach Dutchman Sjoerd Marjine, has not altered much of Oltmans groundwork. Though these are early days, Marjine’s reputation as a “listener” and being “unemotional on field” has obviously synced well with the players. Marjine must get a longer stint because India has miles to go. Only one thing is certain: the talent is there and it requires proper channelisation. Of course, the young team can take inspiration from the very talented and consistent Indian team led by Virat Kohli who seems to have greatness thrust upon him. At this rate, Kohli is set to become one of world’s all time batting greats if he isn’t already one.