Asian style of hockey was great until the 1986 after that nothing has been working in favor of the Asian hockey. The world champs like India and Pakistan have never been able to achieve any main feat after the mid 1980s. Pakistan which had its golden era between 1956 and 1986. These hockey giants and other Asian hockey playing countries haven’t been able to revive their winning streak.
There are many reasons for this. One of the main reasons is the forgotten cause of hockey. Hockey is the national game of these two countries but popularity and money wise the only game which stands out is cricket. Cricket has overshadowed hockey and there is nothing much done about this by the government or the sports associations.
Another reason for the Asian style of hockey failing in the recent past is the inability to accept change. Science and technology have been bringing constant change in every field. The better the technology the more the cutting edge will be available to you to beat your opponents. This dynamism has somehow not been accepted in Asia. We are still playing hockey like how we used to many many years ago. The rigidity of our hockey has brought forth our downfall. A few changes from our sides like providing our players with good equipment, high class training facilities, world class coaching and medical help will surely bring forth the best in the Asian hockey too. Proper diet too is a factor which we haven’t given any attention too.
The players of the national sport are not respected and not looked after either. The hockey legend Dihan Chand died in a hospital with no one to care for him and with a pension which was so measly that it couldn’t save his life. Players should be given better perks, a lot more respect and retirement benefits for them to be attracted towards this game.
Asian style of hockey is very different from the European style. You just can’t give up the Asian style and accept the European style completely. This is not practical and is not viable either.
The Asian style of Hockey is not obsolete. It is a very effective strategy, when used properly can bring you back the victories you have been longing for. All we need to do is go back to our roots.
Evaluate each player as a team member and then as an individual. When the strengths of individuals are clubbed they become team strengths. Don’t change the older format of hockey just take in what is good, effective and workable from the European hockey and blend it. The training facilities are better in Europe, take that in. Learn from their special diets and physiotherapy. Use you culture, training techniques, sportsmanship and technicality to make a winning formula.
The rise of Asian hockey is not too far, we are trying a lot of combinations right now. The minute we strike the right formula, we will be the world champs again.