Indian Hockey Team’s journey in Rio Olympics 2016 so far

The Indian Hockey team in Olympics since 1980

After 1980, when the Indian Hockey Team won the Gold medal in Moscow Olympics, where many western countries had boycotted the Olympics, India has been devoid of any medals in the Olympics. They finished fifth in 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, and then 6th in 1988 Seoul Olympics. From then on, the team had a bad time in most of the Olympics. Even 7/8 rank out of 12 was a rarity. In one Olympics, if I can recall correctly, India even could not qualify.

India did had some chance to qualify to the semi-final in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, but they failed to do so, as they could not win their last league match.

This time, in Rio 2016, India has a better team, who have won some good tournaments and matches coming into the Olympics.

The coach is a former popular Dutch coach.

Also, the Hockey Premier League seems to have made some difference.

As compared to the power play experts Dutch, Germans, Spanish and the skilled Aussies, India still has a long way to go, but still there were expectations of a podium finish in these Olympics.

Indian team in Rio Olympics 2016 so far

India started the Rio Olympics with a good 3-2 win against Ireland in the first match.

They then had a defeat at the hands of Germans.

India came back to defeat Argentina, with whom they have not had good time in many of the last few years’ hockey matches.

Then they went down fighting 1-2 against the Dutch. At one stage, it looked as if India will manage a draw.

Then yesterday, India had a draw with Canada 2-2.

Now, India has moved to the Quarter-Final stage as they have finished Third in their group. If we compare this to previous Olympics, when after league stage, there was a direct semi-final, India would not have even qualified. Yet, India has still some chance to proceed to the semis if they come good against Belgium in their next match.

Indian team would need to focus on strengthening their defense and penalty corner conversions.

Also, Indian coach and captain together would have to evolve a strategy wherein Indian team does not concedes last minute goals.

I am looking forward to Indian team making it good this time.