Hockey at the Olympics in Paris: A semifinal defeat would be painful, but India should recover in the bronze playoff
India needed a bronze for their golden style of hockey, but it could hardly comfort bruised bodies and minds.
“Khaali haath nahi aana hai…”
The sentiments behind the identical statements made by Indian men’s hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh following his team’s past two games couldn’t have been more different. First, there was the incredible, gutsy display against Great Britain in the quarterfinals, where India, down to 10 men on the field for 42 minutes, bravely clung on for a 1-1 draw before winning the shootout. He was full of confidence that day and eager for the semifinal challenge. After forty-four years, a chance to win a gold medal? Go ahead and do it.
After the semifinal loss to Germany, Harmanpreet repeated those remarks. This time, the body language was crestfallen, the tone was dejected, and the emotion was misery.
He was on his knees, gazing off into the distance, when the last whistle rang. Hardik Singh was lying on his back on the blue turf, obviously crying but covering his face. Minutes before, PR Sreejesh had been yelling directions as India selected 11 outfield players. However, he remained stoic along the sidelines, struck by the realization that his final match for India wouldn’t be striving for that elusive gold.
Three years ago, India lost by a final score of 5-2 despite managing to keep up with eventual champions Belgium for three quarters. Of course, there was disappointment, but most players would have likely nodded in agreement if you had asked them honestly if they would have been content with a bronze at the conclusion of the Games.
It was not like Tuesday in Paris. Every Indian player’s utter desperation was visible, and it told a tale. For this Indian team did not travel here in an attempt to hold onto their Tokyo third-place result. The final reactions captured their desire to win gold, or at least put up a fight for it. the wish to bid their lucky goalie farewell in style. the need to put an end to another protracted delay.
In the dying seconds of the game, Shamsher Singh skillfully controlled an aerial ball before shooting beyond the goal, prompting coach Craig Fulton to toss his notes to the ground in disgust. Speaking to the announcers following the game, the South African—who has been a member of the team for just over a year—had lost his voice. He did his best to project optimism about the possibility of competing for a bronze, but he was clearly disappointed.
When asked how India lost the game, he explained, “A great game of hockey.” A small adjustment here and there could have altered the outcome. small margins. He continued by saying that one of India’s several opportunities—both for field goals and penalty corners—went unused. However, he made note of the fact that the team now needs to prepare for a comeback at least twice.
An intellectual test
leaping back. India’s ability to bounce back from the psychological effects of that loss could determine whether they keep the bronze or go back with “khaali haath.”
Paddy Upton, the mental conditioning specialist who has worked with the Indian squad for the past year, would certainly have his job cut out for him. Since India ought to be the underdog against Spain on paper. World rankings-wise, there isn’t much separating them, but this India team enters the bronze medal game fresh off a valiant loss to Belgium, an iconic victory over Australia, and an incredible comeback against Great Britain. One of India’s greatest recent high-stakes knockout matches was even the semifinal against Germany.
However, it is unlikely that this match will be decided solely on paper; instead, it will depend on their respective attitudes. Max Caldas’ men would punish India if they are emotionally slow to turn on and are wallow in their defeat. Spain’s campaign has been rather unpredictable. They defeated Germany, the current finalists, 2-0, the day after suffering a 0–4 loss to Great Britain. However, they defeated Belgium, the reigning champions, 2-1 in an exciting quarterfinal, only to be destroyed 0–4 by the Netherlands in the semifinals. But, they have demonstrated enough quality for India to understand—or anticipate—that they cannot start slowly.
Of course, Amit Rohidas’s comeback will cheer India up. He was missed, particularly during the defensive plays in Penalty Corner. Furthermore, India will be able to field a full 16-player team, which will provide some much-needed relief for some extremely worn-out players.
This current group just cannot lose because over half of them experienced the sweet joy of taking home a bronze in Tokyo. Harmanpreet and Fulton should utilize “Khaali haath nahi aana hai” as a rallying cry instead of because they should win bronze. But India would have deserved it given the hockey they’ve played in their past four games.
