Former Indian hockey captain and selector MM Somaya has praised the Indian Men’s hockey team’s quarterfinal victory over Great Britain at the Paris Olympics, describing it as “one of the most resilient” and “tactically well-played” performances in recent history.
Despite playing three of the four quarters a man down after Amit Rohidas received a red card, the Indian team displayed remarkable defense and poise. The match ended 1-1, but India triumphed 4-2 in the shootout, securing a spot in the semifinals. This marks the first time since the 1972 Munich Olympics that India has reached the semifinals in back-to-back Olympic Games.
Somaya, who was part of the Indian team that clinched gold at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, commended the players for their outstanding effort. “It was one of the most resilient and tactically sound games given the circumstances,” Somaya said. “To achieve this in an Olympic quarterfinal, and not just a pool game or smaller tournament, is truly amazing.”
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Historically, India’s hockey team has struggled with resilience and tactical errors in crucial knockout matches, as seen in the 1984 Los Angeles and 2000 Sydney Olympics. However, this year’s performance showcased a notable improvement.
Midfield Errors
The team, led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, managed to maintain their composure and defensive strength despite being short-handed. Somaya noted that while the team made errors in midfield, these could be attributed to fatigue from covering extra ground with one less player.
As the team prepares for their semifinal match against either Germany or Argentina, Somaya highlighted the challenges ahead. “Recovery is crucial—physically, mentally, and emotionally,” he said. “The players need to bounce back quickly from today’s exertions. The absence of Amit Rohidas due to his red card will also be a significant challenge, as it reduces our squad to 15 players against a full-strength opponent.”
Somaya, now a member of the senior men’s selection committee of Hockey India, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to overcome these hurdles. “The team has elevated India’s stature in hockey,” he said. “The quality of their play over the past decade has been very encouraging, and they have put Indian hockey back on the global stage.”
With the semifinal looming, the focus will be on recovery and strategic planning to address the potential disadvantage of being one player short. The Indian team’s resilience and tactical adaptability will be key as they aim to advance further in the tournament.
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