Time for hockey, Neeraj & Vinesh to apply balm after Monday's heartbreaks

AFTER a heartbreaking Monday, three big names (two individual and one team) will be in action on Tuesday - the men's hockey team (semifinal against Germany), Vinesh Phogat (in the women's 50kg in wrestling) and Neeraj Chopra (in the men's javelin).

- INDRANEEL DAS

It's two three very different stars, too. Vinesh was the public face of the protest by Indian wrestlers in 2023.

Lots of Indians have a soft spot for hockey. And, lastly, Chopra is leading the revolution in Indian athletics, the man who will be defending gold.

When the Indian XI walk out on to the Paris turf, it would be with a lot of hope. The inspirational display against Great Britain with 10 men should give them some belief. Harmanpreet Singh, who has led this team with under-stated efficiency at the back (while defending) and from the front (while scoring from penalty corners) will again be key, especially in the absence of the suspenses Amit Rohidas. Manpreet Singh's role while defending penalty corners will be even more outsized without Rohidas, one of the world's best first rushers. At the back, the inspirational PR Sreejesh will look to bring out his A game again. Forward Abhishek, who has come of age in this tournament, will also have to tuck away half-chances against the world champions.