Once a king, now just a team- Indian hockey

It was a hot sunny day of 17 may,1928 in Amsterdam, where a team full of young talent started a campaign in Olympics for the first time. This was the first time that this team was participating in such a big event and I'm damn sure that nobody was expected that the team which is playing in their 1st Olympics will emerge as a table topper in the league matches and  the way the played in quarters, semis and finals was really fabulous. Fortunately, the team defeated Netherland in the final by a margin of 3-0 and won their first gold in the Olympics. This was TEAM INDIA.

The streak of  winning of gold begins from this period. Royalty of Indian in hockey started from this day and continued for the next 28 years. Up to 1956, 6 Olympics - 6 consecutive gold medal. This period was also known as golden period of Indian hockey. It was Major Dhyaanchand who guided India single handedly and bagged  tittle. Team didn't stopped here. They bagged silver in 1960 Moscow Olympics, gold in 1964 Tokyo Olympics, bronze in 1968 and 1972 Olympics and finally gold medal in 1980 Moscow Olympics.

It was really very disappointing to note that sealing such a height in its hay days and now Indian hockey is in downfall path since after death of Major Dhyanchand. Team was unable to coop up  with the changing rules, modified equipment and playing style. Indian team took it very casually. As a result, Indian hockey was forced to face its darkest day ever. It was in 2008 Beijing Olympics, team even cannot qualified for the Olympics. Once a champion now not able to qualify. In 2012 London Olympics, team qualified but was unable to win a single match. In 2016 Rio Olympics team stood 4th which was a bit satisfying performance in the recent years.

There is no doubt that monopoly of India over hockey has already been gone. nowadays Australia is emerging as a new champion from the last decade. Continuous struggles, lack of proper equipments, unavailable of coaches etc. all are the major problems that our country is facing in the field of hockey.

Lets hope that, in the coming years Indian hockey will develop itself. Once again India will regain the gold in the Olympics and will create history.