India’s Hockey Juggernaut Rolls Over Asia, Claims Fifth Crown
Indian Hockey Team sealed their fifth Asian Champions Trophy victory in a match that was more of a chess game than a hockey final. For 50 long minutes, China’s defense stood like an immovable wall until India’s wizards, Jugraj and Harmanpreet Singh, conjured up some magic from the sticks. It was a slick assist from Harmanpreet that helped to finally crack open China’s defense for Jugraj’s shot to come through and seal a 1-0 win for India. And before you knew, the wall came tumbling down. India’s Unstoppable Streak: Seven Matches, Seven Wins Let’s face facts – Indian Hockey Team just had the tournament in their pocket. Seven games, seven wins, most goals scored, and the fewest conceded. Harmanpreet Singh, who doesn’t bat an eyelid when pressure is on, scored seven penalty corner goals, hitting the 200-goal mark while he was at it. Even when he wasn’t scoring, Harmanpreet was out there being his version of a hockey Jedi, controlling the game with precision passes and calm decision-making. Young Guns Steal the Show It wasn’t all veterans hogging the limelight. India’s youngsters – Uttam Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal and Mohammed Raheel – came crashing the party. Uttam was even good enough to outscore a few of India’s Olympic stars by netting four goals. Meanwhile, Raheel was something of a midfield Duracell bunny, running himself into the ground with tackles and crisp passes. Coach Craig Fulton must be rubbing his hands in glee at the attacking depth he now has at his disposal. Pakistan and China: The Surprise Package and The Fun Factor While Indian Hockey Team basked in their well-deserved glory, China and Pakistan added their own flavor. Pakistan’s high-octane attacking style was a delightful throwback to their golden days, with Shahid Hannan dribbling his way to six goals. Meanwhile, China stunned everyone by reaching the final with a squad young enough to still need permission slips from school. What’s Next? A Youthful Revolution Coach Fulton does not rest on his laurels either. Another camp brews with a fresh lot of players all set to come in and keep the hockey machinery of India in top-notch working conditions. An under-25 contingent for a tour of the Netherlands and Belgium is on the radar. If this tournament was any indication, India’s hockey future is as bright as a Harmanpreet drag flick. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
