1. Jamie Dwyer- Devil’s right hand
32 year young Jamie Dwyer is easily the best hockey player in the world has seen in the last decade since making his debut in 2001. Four time world player of the year who has been terrorizing the opposition continued his good form in Lanco International Super Series and recently concluded tri-series. His goal in the opening game against New Zealand was work of a genius and so was his goal against India. Jamie Dwyer returned from a knee injury in Oceania Cup after a 4 month lay-off but the injury did not affect his game even a bit. He is truly devil’s right hand who has determined to put misery on the opposition teams with his brilliant skills and great stick work.
2. Lanco International Super Series is here to stay
New format of nine players, large goalposts and thirty minutes of play (15 mins half), yellow balls was a treat to watch and its sure to pull crowds towards hockey. Right from the entry of the players in the field to the game was The tournament which is a nightmare for the goalkeepers saw 67 goals in 15 games, that is a goal in every six minutes of the game. The tournament created lot of buzz and excitement among the hockey fans of world after watching skillful and attacking hockey. The rules which makes this hockey so interesting and innovating is here to stay after first successful year.
3. Indian Olympic dream looking bleak
If we judge the team by its recent performance in Australia, India will surely not make it to the Olympics 2012. The team only registered one victory in the whole tour (practice game against New Zealand 5-4) had a very disappointing tournament after the victory in Asian Champions Trophy. The Indian team did not even win one game in the six games played in both the tournaments (LISS and tri-series) and even lost to the second string Australia ‘A’ side 2-1 in the ‘unofficial’ third place game. With the recent string of poor performance it is very tough for Indian team to qualify for the Olympics 2012.
4. India-Pakistan fight- utter disgrace
The second leg of the India-Pakistan game saw ugly scenes when players from both the team started fighting with just 1 min and 35 seconds were left on the clock. The players hit opposition with kicks, fists and stick which resulted in broken teeth (Md. Imran) and Indian player Gurbaj Singh sent to the hospital to receive stitches. The fight was an disgraceful event in the game and the ‘men’ could have kept the cool and solved the problem amicably instead of acting like a bunch of ‘kids’ and fighting.Hockey fans and players were shocked to see this brawl on the pitch which diminished the respect of both India and Pakistan
5. Indian women-RESPECT
What a great performance by the Indian women team, after finishing second to Australia in Lanco International Super Series. Right from the start of the tournament to the end, the Indian women played their hearts out and good good results (except the 4-1 defeat in the final). Indian women team beat Malaysia 3-1 and drew the game against Australia (1-1) to reach the final to reach the final of LISS after defying greater odds.
