Re: How to change the national game?
While it's true that players in richer hockey nations get access to better equipment and astroturf much earlier than our players, the problem is not just money but also lack of stamina. On these pacier artificial surfaces, hockey is no longer just about skill but also stamina. Our present forwards (although admittedly not in the class of the forwards of the 70s, 80s and early 90s) might play brilliantly for 20-25 minutes but they often struggle to maintain the same intensity throughout the whole game.
Re: How to change the national game?
Why our players lack stamina? Inherently weaker than the western players?
Re: How to change the national game?
Why our players lack stamina? Inherently weaker than the western players?
Most probably malnutrition, lack of exercise and may involve nefarious night activities before playing crucial matches. In old times wining or death was the motive of legendary players, perhaps not any more with the new generation. MONEY, MONEY and MONEY with HONEY is the only criteria, just like cricket game.
Re: How to change the national game?
Why our players lack stamina? Inherently weaker than the western players?
Unlike grass, on these matted surfaces the game is so brisk that you are constantly on the move (cf. Squash), hardly get a break between moves. I guess it comes down to nutrition and fitness levels. compare the sukhi sukhi legs of our players to hattey kattey German and Australian players
Re: How to change the national game?
Wrong. When Pakistan was World/Olympic champion, Karachi Hockey Stadium was converted in to Astro Turf in the sixties. Remove politics and nepotism from hockey, Pakistan will again be World/Olympic champion. Pakistanis have natural talent/instinct for this game.
One austro turf is not sufficient enough. BTW if you recall , our down fall started from that time when Austro turf was introduced.
I my self been hockey player and know very well howdifficult it is for a street player like me to make adjustment in the game from natural grounds to Austro ... With Austro turf, fitness is much more important than skills. Definitely Europeans and koreans are much fit ( as a nation then us )
Further from where a street player will bring shoes for turf which will be weard off with in few months of play. As mentioned above hockey is no more for poor countries.
If our limited resources are spend on selected skilled players than definitely we can produce better results than today but I dont see old glory days coming back
Re: How to change the national game?
Who should I believe… wikipedia or Indian sports ministry? :hmmm:
Google: Hockey is not Indian national game. 
