Doha: Weighed down by a prolonged sequence of dismal shows in recent times, India will have to defy form and history in their quest for a coveted gold medal in the hockey event of the 15th Asian Games, which begins on Monday with a relatively easy game against Bangladesh.
The Asian Games have not been a happy hunting ground for the Indians having won the gold medal only twice.
The poor performance of the team has meant that they don't start as gold medal contenders in the tournament which has arch-rivals Pakistan and South Korea as the favourites.
Pakistan have a very good track record in the Games having won the gold seven times, including four times in succession, while South Korea have emerged as a force to reckon with at the international level, leaving India's task all the more daunting.
The Indians had won a silver medal in the last edition of the Games in Busan and this time also they have no choice, but to finish among the top two teams to secure an automatic qualification for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
Despite the brave front the team management is putting up, the sacking of a number of senior players like Gagan Ajit Singh, Vikram Pillay and Viren Rasquinha has meant that India have a relatively inexperienced team.
The tendency to concede last-minute goals has become a perennial problem for the team and coach Vasudevan Baskaran has to find a way plug this loophole. However, the coach asserted that the team would push through their way to garner at least a silver medal.
"We are confident of doing well and working hard. Our first target is to reach the final," Baskaran said.
Rasquinha's last minute dropping from the squad created some uneasiness before the team's departure for the Asiad. This has not only incensed the player, but also gave a reflection on how the game is being run in the country, which once ruled the hockey world for decades.
The constant changings and choppings have become a routine affair with the Indian Hockey Federation, but only time will tell whether the omission of the seniors was justified.
A good performance will silence all the critics, but another flop show will invite a barrage of criticism and questions would be asked on selection process.
The Indians are lucky to be placed in the relatively easy Group-B which also comprises South Korea, Bangladesh, China and Oman. Pool-A has Pakistan, Malaysia, Japan, Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong.
Unless the team slumps to an abysmal level, securing a place in the semi-finals should not be a problem. From the semi-final stage, it will be a test of skills and nerves.
Captain Dilip Tirkey will have a key role to play in the defence as he is the most experienced player in the team. His experience should come handy in pressure situations. Ignace Tirkey and V S Vinaya will be a key figures in the midfield performing the roles of linkmen.
Strikers Tushar Khandekar, Hari Prasad and Shivendra Singh are the new talents in the team and all of them have to dish out an inspired show if India wished to regain the gold medal which they last won in Bangkok in 1998.
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