India crashes out of the Olympics, for the first time in 80 years, after going down 0-2 to Great Britain in the final of the qualifying competition in Santiago, Chile. Pakistan’s hopes, however, rest on a team that is a blend of youth and experience.
Jaydeep Basu in The Telegraph has the sad Indian story
Indian hockey has been chucked out of the Olympics before the country could say Chak De! India.
A smarter Britain slammed the Beijing door shut on the eight-time gold medallists, who failed to qualify for the first time since they debuted on the Olympic stage 80 years ago.The hour of darkness descended last night in Santiago, Chile, as two quick strikes completed what past players said was the result of years of “collective sin”.“It felt like there was a death in the family,” said Ashok Kumar, a member of the 1975 World Cup-winning side.
Now, read The Nation (Pakistan) to capture a can-do spirit
Pakistan team is blend of young, senior and experienced players and eagerly looking to play against host China that has improved its performance to great a extent in the field hockey in recent years, said manager-cum-coach of Pakistan hockey team here on Monday.
“Our team is under going rebuilding process and the matches against host China would provide ample opportunity to the players to improve their performance and exposure in foreign county”, Khawaja Zakauddin said on arrival of the 22-member Pakistan hockey squad including four officials here.
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Gill should go………….before he kills the game of hockey in India