TIME TO REBOUND
THE WEEK India|February 05, 2023
India’s exit from the World Cup calls for a deep think
NEERU BHATIA
TIME TO REBOUND

The look on their faces said a lot. As India hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh and head coach Graham Reid sat down to face questions from the media after their team’s exit in the crossovers round, Singh was downcast and Reid was evidently unhappy. India had thrown away a two-goal lead before being eliminated by lower-ranked New Zealand in sudden death.

All of India’s problems in the tournament—low penalty-corner conversion, poor finishing and nerves in high-pressure situations—were visible in the must-win match. Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey, the soft-spoken former captain who took many a hard hit defending India’s goal during an illustrious playing career, told THE WEEK that the team did not play to its potential. “We had played really well for one and a half years,” he said. “So, expectations were high. I, too, expected them to at least reach the quarterfinals.”

Legendary Australian coach Ric Charlesworth said the players, especially the seasoned ones, were perhaps a tad complacent after winning the bronze at the Tokyo Olympics. “India had so many chances to win in the World Cup,” Charlesworth told THE WEEK. He said he had spoken to Reid about the potential dangers of the players being celebrated as heroes after the Olympics.

Perhaps this is one of the reasons Reid trusted younger players like Shamsher Singh and Sukhjeet Singh during the shootout, even as vastly experienced players like Akashdeep Singh (222 matches), Manpreet Singh (318) and Mandeep Singh (198) looked on. Shamsher missed both his penalties in the shootout and Sukhjeet missed in sudden death after scoring the crucial fifth penalty to keep India alive.

この記事は THE WEEK India の February 05, 2023 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は THE WEEK India の February 05, 2023 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

THE WEEK INDIAのその他の記事すべて表示
PEP'S CUBS
THE WEEK India

PEP'S CUBS

Pep Guardiola moulded two Ballon d'Or winners. And he had different methods for Messi and Rodri

time-read
7 分  |
November 17, 2024
She sets sail
THE WEEK India

She sets sail

While the number of women in the Indian maritime sector is growing, experts call for a safe and supportive ecosystem

time-read
2 分  |
November 17, 2024
Taking the sea ashore...
THE WEEK India

Taking the sea ashore...

...and into space. Commander Abhilash Tomy's take on how lessons from sailing can be applied in diverse areas

time-read
4 分  |
November 17, 2024
FAIR WINDS
THE WEEK India

FAIR WINDS

THE WEEK's Maritime Conclave 2024 saw movers and shakers from the sector talk about reclaiming India's ocean legacy

time-read
6 分  |
November 17, 2024
Leadership vacuum
THE WEEK India

Leadership vacuum

With Palaniswami struggling to establish a hold over the AIADMK, calls for the return of expelled leaders grow stronger

time-read
8 分  |
November 17, 2024
ISI working with pro-Khalistan elements in Canada
THE WEEK India

ISI working with pro-Khalistan elements in Canada

Once celebrated as a land of opportunity for Punjabi immigrants, Canada is turning into no-go zone over allegations that violent crime, gang networks and extremism are gaining root in the country. As Canada comes under scrutiny from Indian officials who claim it has become a ‘safe haven’ for criminals and separatist elements targeting India, the outcome can have serious repercussions. India believes that Canada is harbouring dangerous individuals and groups with strong ties to organised crime and pro-Khalistan networks. Punjab has felt the consequences most acutely.

time-read
3 分  |
November 17, 2024
Return of the native
THE WEEK India

Return of the native

As Canada makes life difficult for immigrants, Punjab witnesses a reversal in brain drain and a possible change in political equations

time-read
4 分  |
November 17, 2024
Ladies first
THE WEEK India

Ladies first

Why the major parties in Jharkhand are going all out to woo women this election season

time-read
3 分  |
November 17, 2024
WOO AND WIN
THE WEEK India

WOO AND WIN

Recent developments have split the Maratha vote. The party that better articulates its engagement with the community's concerns stands to benefit

time-read
6 分  |
November 17, 2024
Countdown to a north-south issue
THE WEEK India

Countdown to a north-south issue

Aastha Arora, India’s one-billionth baby, turned 24 on May 11. The world's eight-billionth babies will turn three on November 15. There were two claimants—one born in the Philippines, the other in the Dominican Republic.

time-read
2 分  |
November 17, 2024