Time for the romantics to pontificate

By S. Thyagarajan

DHAKA, MARCH 19. Hockey as a sport acquires a new meaning, a different dimension and even a fresh ethos when India and Pakistan take the stage. For an aesthete, a final involving these two becomes a spectacle which assumes shades of romanticism, the enervating factors here being the sheer grace, charm and craft that these teams project. It is indeed a pity that the frequency of such combats is becoming less and less owing to factors wholly outside the realm of sport.

So, when a contest becomes a reality, as it will on Tuesday in the Prime Minister's Gold Cup, the expectations on both sides of the border, nay, even among the hockey community, touch a queer pitch. It is difficult to remain unaffected by the vicissitudes of Indo-Pak equations in the five decades or so, though hockey contacts began within the borders only in 1978.

Statistics cannot be the sole denominator in projecting the aura of an Indo-Pak hockey combat. But they do serve as an instrument for an analysis. The figures however, are very revealing, at least from India's standpoint. Of the 92 encounters till 1999, India has won only 31, lost 44 and the remaining 17 were drawn.

Not after the Test series in 1999 has there been a contest between the two at any level. There was a possibility during the Olympics in Sydney, but that did come through.

The last final contested by the teams was the SAF Games in Chennai in 1995 when India recorded a glorious 5-2 victory amidst unprecedented scenes of jubilation.

Interestingly, it was again in Chennai that India and Pakistan played last in a competition, the Champions Trophy, in 1996, when the home team was beaten 2-3.

The resumption of Test series after a decade long gap in 1998 elevated the aspect of competition and the benefits accrued to both were immense. But the exchange of visits could not be continued, embroiled as they were in the political conflicts on various issues.

Both the previous series went in favour of Pakistan 4-3, (one draw) in 1998, and 5-3 (one draw) in 1999. But again, the last of the nine Tests in 1999 in Lahore was won by India 3-2.

So much has happened in the last two years that to predict anything based on past record will be a futile exercise.

``It is going to be a close contest; may be, the penalty corner will be crucial,'' observed Cedric D'Souza when asked to assess the final.

But after the thumping win against Egypt, he feels every layer in the team is in shape. Admittedly, India's defence is far stronger than Pakistan's.

The mid-field is now fairly stabile with two seasoned players, Baljit Singh Saini and Thirumalvalavan, in fine form, supported well by the colts, Arjun Halappa and Bipin Fernandes.

Arjun Halappa, in particular, is developing into a good striker too. Nick named as the ``magic man'' during the recent tour of Egypt, Halappa is said to be having an offer to play in that country's premier league.

More than the mid-field, the solidity of the deep defence, manned well by the trio, Tirkey, Nayak and Barla, the linkman, is a positive factor.

Another point that cannot be overlooked is the improved goal- keeping of Jude Menezes since the Asia Cup in Kuala Lumpur. He has been performing extremely well to the point of emerging as the key to India's success tomorrow.

Dhanraj Pillay and Baljit Singh Dhillon in the front- line constitute the core. Both have had an excellent run so far and are capable of taking on any defence. Even the off-form Deepak Thakur is getting into the groove.

With the juniors, Prabhjot Singh and Inderjit Singh adding pep, the front-line can be really formidable if the link up with the mid-field is immaculate.

Pakistan's trump card is Sohail Abbas, whose lethal penalty corner hits can determine the verdict at any point of time. Despite the recurring groin trouble, he has been the chief motivator.

Minus Sohail, Pakistan gives the impression of being a team that has not had sufficient training. At times in the league phase its attack appeared rusty and disjointed, notwithstanding the noticeable individual skills of Kaushif Jawaad and Mohammad Sarwar.

Its mid-field, however, has experience and expertise in the combination of Mohammad Usman, Saqlain and Wassem Ahmed. But the same cannot be said of the deep defence where Sohail and Zeeshan are vulnerable to consistent pressure.

Tariq Imran was not fielded against Japan, raising doubts about his fitness. However, the skipper and goal-keeper, Ahmed Alam, is seasoned, strong and supremely confident of his competence.

It is difficult to obliterate from the mind the last meeting between India and Pakistan here in 1985 Asia Cup final that ended in chaos. Both the teams paid a heavy price in the aftermath.

If emotions are held in check, then the contest on Tuesday will surely be an enchanting one.

Bangladesh beats Malaysia

Ariful Prince helped Bangladesh to regain its prestige in the Prime Minister's Gold Cup hockey tournament with a match winner in the second half against Malaysia. Bangladesh which won the tie 3-2 and finished fifth.

Into the attack from the start, Bangladesh kept up the pressure almost throughout. But it was Malaysia that struck first through a lovely goal by Boon Huat Chua off a cross from Suhaimi Ebrahim.

Bangladesh produced the equaliser mid-way, through Shakwat Ali.

Earlier, Scotland beat China by a solitary goal from Scot McCartney in the 18th minute of the first half. Scotland finished seventh and China, which promised so much at the start, ended at the eighth spot.

Tuesday's matches: (3-4) Japan vs. China (IST 12 noon); Final: India vs. Pakistan (3 p.m.).

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