The Indian hockey team has stormed into the semi-finals of the ongoing Olympics 2024, defeating Britain 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 tie at the end of regular play. With this victory, they are now set to face the winner of the Germany vs. Argentina match in the semi-finals. Another win would secure a medal for India, continuing a resurgence in Olympic hockey that began with their bronze medal in Tokyo 2021.
Hockey’s Glory Days During the British Era
For those familiar with the film Gold, the dominance of Indian hockey during the British era is well illustrated. Before India gained independence in 1947, the team, then known as the British India team, was a formidable force. After independence, India clinched the Gold medal at the 1948 Olympics and continued to dominate the sport, securing gold in every Olympics up until the 1960s. However, post-1980, India’s hockey fortunes declined, with no medals won until the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
Cricket’s Rise Post-1983 World Cup
The 1983 Cricket World Cup victory under Kapil Dev marked a watershed moment for Indian cricket. This triumph over the West Indies, who were the reigning champions, propelled cricket into the forefront of Indian sports. The win, as depicted in the film 83, not only captivated the nation but also set the stage for cricket’s ascendancy in India. Post-1983, cricket reached new heights, with India reaching semi-finals in various World Cups and winning the trophy again in 2011.
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Hockey’s Decline and Cricket’s Ascendance
Interestingly, as cricket gained prominence, hockey’s profile in Indian sports waned. Since 1983, hockey struggled to maintain its place in the sporting limelight, with the team failing to secure a World Cup win and cricket dominating national attention and resources.
The Resurgence of Hockey Under the Current Government
India’s Olympic performance saw a significant improvement with the 2021 Tokyo Games, where the hockey team won a medal after a 40-year hiatus. This revival can be attributed to increased support from the current government. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the 2016 Olympics saw over 100 athletes representing India, a significant increase in participation. While only two medals were won in 2016, the support paved the way for a more successful 2021 Olympics, with hockey making a notable comeback.
Conclusion
The focus and support provided by the government play a crucial role in the rise of any sport. While cricket has reached unprecedented heights in India, the resurgence of hockey highlights the impact of government support on sports. The current administration’s emphasis on Olympic sports demonstrates that with sufficient backing, both cricket and hockey can bring pride and success to the nation. Thus, politics indeed plays a significant role in the growth and success of sports in India.