Hockey was first introduced in the year 1998 Kuala Lumpur edition of Commonwealth Games. And all the Gold have been won by World No 1. Australia in the men’s game. The best finish for Indian men’s team was 4th place in the 1998. In 2002 Manchester Games, the men’s team did not feature. And in 2006 Melbourne Games, the men’s team finished sixth. So after three editions of games, the record set by the Indian men are nothing to boast about.
On the other hand the women’s team have performed much better comparing to men. Women’s team finished 4th in 1998 edition. Won the Gold in 2002 and won Silver in 2006 edition of the games.
Women’s team have proved themselves on the CWG stage but it is time for men’s team to set the records. Looking at the current situation, it is a daunting task. India will face teams like Australia, Pakistan, Malaysia, Scotland in the group stages. India vs Pakistan will be the most important match of group A. If we go by the records, Australia will top the group. So, finishing second is the most important point for rest four teams. So, we can say that India and Pakistan have the best chance of reaching the semi-finals. Malaysia will also play an important part in the qualification process. Silver medalist of 1998 and Bronze medal winner’s of 2006 might have something to say about in this tournament.India will have to get past Pakistan and Malaysia in order to reach semi-finals. I hope the teams repeat the performance of .
Indian women’s team will also have to get play Australia in their quest to reach semi-finals. Women’s team will face Australia, South Africa(whom India beat in World Cup), Trinidad&Tobago and Scotland. Women’s team have clear shot at the semi-finals where they might meet England or New Zealand. In the last edition, Indian team finished above England and NZ, but lot has changed in 4 years. Indian Women’s team has a new coach, who joined the team just few days before the World Cup.
Well now the talks are also coming that Indian women’s team want their coach to be removed. With this news just coming two days before the CWG, it would come as a big problem. We can just wait and see how the Indian teams perform in CWG with high hopes of getting gold.
