He was once a resident menace to Indian hockey groups of the late ’70s and early ’80s however Hassan Sardar, Pakistan’s grasp centre ahead of yesteryears is amazed to see the maturity proven by the nationwide crew from the neighbouring nation in recent times.

In his opinion, Australia, Belgium, and the Netherlands are different sturdy contenders aside from India.  

The FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup will get underway in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela on Friday. India is pitted in Group D together with England, Spain, and Wales.

Olympic gold medallist Sardar, who mesmerized the Indian hockey-loving public with 11 objectives through the 1982 World Cup in Mumbai, feels that there’s not a lot distinction between Harmanpreet Singh’s led crew and different high nations. 

“I had said before the Tokyo Olympics that this Indian team is capable of winning medals at the highest level. They won bronze but there is hardly any major difference in the top 4 teams in world hockey now,” Sardar instructed PTI Bhasha in an unique interview from Pakistan.

“This Indian team is way more focused and mature. Add to it, they have an added advantage playing at home ground. I have seen a hockey tournament in Odisha and would like to congratulate state CM Naveen Patnaik for promoting hockey in a big way,” mentioned the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic gold medallist.

India’s lone title win in WC was 48 years again when Ajitpal Singh’s aspect defeated Pakistan within the closing. 

The world Hockey powerhouse has by no means been in a position to make the semi-finals in any of the Hockey World Cups since then. 

A resurgent Indian crew, nevertheless, rewrote historical past successful a bronze medal on the Tokyo Olympics ending a protracted wait of 41 years.

Sardar opined that India have turn out to be sturdy in penalty nook conversions and the ahead line is able to scoring.

” Goal-scoring is the most important thing and this Indian team is capable of that. They have a strong drag-flicker like Harman Preet Singh and their forward line is capable of scoring goals,” mentioned Sardar who had performed with Shahnaz Sheikh, Samiullah Khan, Hanif Khan, and Kalimullah Khan.

He additionally scored a hattrick in Pakistan’s well-known win over India within the 1982 Asian Games closing in New Delhi.

Pakistan couldn’t qualify this time and Sardar is deeply damage by that.

“Definitely, for us who have won both Olympic gold and World Cup winners’ medals, who have seen the golden era of Pakistan Hockey are hurt. Winning and losing are another thing but at least participation was required.”

Sardar needs Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) to take a leaf out 

” Once India had also seen the decline but they revived their Hockey and are now amongst the best in the world. Pakistan has to do something special to revive people’s interest in the game,” he added.

The cause for Pakistan’s decline is the dearth of significance given to the game on the grassroots. 

“Youngsters do not play hockey anymore in schools and colleges. They do not want to see our team lose. We have immense talent in Pakistan but the need is to provide them with a proper platform, grooming, and financial security. You need to win to produce new heroes, ” mentioned the previous coach and chief selector concluded.

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