For the longest period of the 20th century, hockey was synonymous with Indian sport. Between 1928 and 1972, the nation medaled every decade at the Olympic games.
But then came a period of waiting.
Olympic and World Cup wins were few and far between. The sport’s popularity depleted, even as that of cricket soared.
Then came the bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. And after yet another bronze at the Paris games this year, the sport is back where it belongs, in the minds of the people.
“Hockey resides in the hearts of the Indians,” says a beaming Bhola Nath Singh, the Hockey India Secretary General, during an interview with Read.
And he has got reasons aplenty to be pleased about. After all, the HIL makes a return after a seven-year hiatus when the Indian teams have witnessed a resurgence in international success.
That said, this writer was curious about Singh’s take on the mood of the nation towards the sport.
‘People are attracted to hockey’
Singh is quick to respond and without hesitation cites recent results.
“Medals at the Olympics, gold at the Asian Champions Trophy, the juniors winnings the men’s and women’s Asian championships, all these results are good in the past few years. With this, people are attracted to hockey and their trust in Indian hockey has increased,” he says.
With hockey riding the wave of success, the HIL could perhaps not have come at a better time for sport in the country.
Singh cites the example of the IPL, stating how that league helped launched the careers of many a young cricketer. His intention is to do the same via the HIL.
“Several new players will emerge from the HIL. Our goal is to give junior players a lot chances and matches. This HIL, I’m conducting for the players of my country. Our players will improve and our hockey levels will only rise.”
While the exposure will undoubtedly be there to be had, resurrecting a defunct league is not an easy task.
‘No problems faced’
The involvement of private enterprises is essential for the functioning of franchise-based leagues. But it isn’t always easy to make a compelling pitch, more so when a league hasn’t seen action for a seven-year period.
But as it turns out, Singh faced little challenge in engaging with business enterprises.
“We had to brief brands but once that was done, we did not face any problems in attracting interest. Corporates displayed a big heart and joined us while showing a lot of confidence,”
With the backing of the corporations, Singh has long-terms plans for the HIL.
“With a little budget we’re doing this so the franchises don’t feel the financial pressure. We want to run this on a long term and on a continuous basis,” he says.
Critical to this vision is the grant from the FIH of an exclusive window for staging of the HIL.
“When I spoke to FIH, I requested for an exclusive window. And for this I want to thank the FIH for granting us a five-year window (for the HIL) in which there will be no other international tournament,” says Singh.
But just when the decks were cleared, the auctions done and the start dates looming around the corner, reports of overseas players pulling out caused concern.
Excuses being made
Singh is wary of the withdrawal of select overseas players. According to him, every player (the overseas ones included) signed agreements and agreed to the December 28 start date.
“All the foreign players were sent agreements with dates and all sent signed copies stating ‘I agree’ to the dates, that’s the truth.”
Singh is critical of players going back on their word and states that excuses are being made purely owing to the Indian players being offered more money.
“Remember, when they (foreign players) were previously sold for a higher value, none of the Indian players said anything. And now, when the Indian players are emerging as world class and are fetching good rates, you don’t like it and you’re making excuses. This is not a good thing.”
That said, Sigh acknowledges that the overseas players that are with the teams now are good and that the “withdrawal of a few will not make a difference.”
Singh recognizes the significance of his role in galvanizing hockey in the country. And for him, the player is everything.
‘They are my children’
Until a few years ago, with results not in the offing, hockey received step motherly treatment and motivation levels were at an all-time low amongst the players.
Sigh recognises this and places the players above all else while stating that over the past two years, he has been working tirelessly to solve a slew of problems.
“My phone is accessible 24 hours a day for any player. Any problem, small or big, men women senior or junior, they contact me directly. They’re like my family, they’re my children,” he says.
He has made it clear that for the federation, the ‘players are the biggest’.
“For them, every moment, I’m standing on the ready and offer a solution in a matter of 2-mintues.”
For Singh, with players as the priority, the vision is clear – India at the forefront in world hockey.
With the Asian games, the World Cup and the LA Olympics as essential, he realizes the importance of building a robust second strings of players.
And the HIL will duly serve as a launchpad for several, both men and women, to put their hand up and stake a claim.
“In the LA Olympics, our target is gold, we must get the old days back,” he says.
To achieve that goal, Singh is ready to do what it takes.
“No matter who plays hockey in India, Hockey India stands one with them, no matter what it takes – the best of organization, the best of facilities, the best of coaches, I’ll do my best to provide them with all of those to bring them forward.”
Note:
– The Men’s matches of the HIL will take place between the 28th of December 2024 and the 1st of February 2025 at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, Rourkela.
– The Women’s matches of the HIL will be played between the 12th of January and the 26th of January 2025 at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium, Ranchi
– Free passes may be booked on https://ticketgenie.in/
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