They are the future hockey stars of hockey nations setting their sights on winning the 2016 Olympics and it is Indian players who are leading the way.
Recently India swept all top awards at the Under-21 Sultan of Johor Cup hockey championship in Malaysia. India retained the coveted title by defeating Great Britain 2-1. While Australia defeated New Zealand in the Bronze match 6-2. Is this another positive reinforcement for the rising development of Indian hockey under the guidance of senior coach former Australian International Terry Walsh and U/21 coach Harendra Singh as they set India’s development sights on the 2016 Rio de Janerio Olympics?
India rode twin strikes from Harmanpreet Singh to retain the Johor Cup. In a keenly fought final at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru, India beat Great Britain by the odd-goal-in-three. Harmanpreet finished top scorer of the tournament with nine goals. He was also the Player of the Tournament. Certainly an exciting player for hockey watchers to keep an eye on.
India captain Harjeet Singh was declared the Most Promising Player of the Tournament. India were unbeaten in the tournament and looked strong against top teams. Beating Pakistan 6-0 and trouncing Australia 6-2 were standout performances in the invitational tournament.
The win against Britain did not come easy. The first half produced no goals. Harmanpreet converted India’s first penalty corner in the 46th minute but Britain responded with the equalizer in the 56th minute when Samuel French scored from a penalty corner.
India’s match-winner came 45 seconds from the hooter when Harmanpreet scored from once again from a penalty corner. India’s ability to maintain pressure drew praise from coach Harendra Singh.
“It was anyone’s game. This team has shown immense potential to emerge as the one of the best teams in the world with the kind of class and dignity they have played with today. “Our aim was to concentrate on interception and keeping possession of the ball. We were able to remain composed in the second half and execute our plans in the second session. That was excellent work,” said Singh.
In the Bronze Medal match possible future Black Sticks Men have finished fourth after being well beaten 6-2 by Australia. It was a turnaround for Australia were soundly beaten by India 6-2 in the semi-final.
The Burras rocketed out to a 4-0 first half lead with the Kiwis helpless to stem the flow of goals. New Zealand lifted the intensity in the second half and pulled one back through a Kim Kingstone field goal. The Future Black Sticks won their fair share of penalty corners but were only able to put one away with Trevor Garrett flicking into the top left corner. In search of something special, the Kiwis substituted their goalkeeper but the move didn’t work with Australia putting away a further two goals to take home the bronze medal.
Highlights of the Malaysia versus New Zealand game
