HYDERABAD: Just after the Indian hockey team clinched bronze at the Tokyo Olympics on Thursday, a video of triple Olympian N Mukesh Kumar dancing went viral. The 41-year wait for a medal ended and his joy was understandable.
The Hyderabad right-winger formed a formidable partnership with forward Dhanraj Pillay in his heyday. But they are part of a different generation. Mukesh’s strike in the 32nd second against Australia in Sydney 2000 was an Olympic record for the fastest goal.
“It’s a dream come true,” the 51-year-old told TOI after India defeated Germany 5-4 in the playoff. “It was a wonderful team effort,” said Mukesh, who represented the country in 1992 Barcelona, 1996 Atlanta and 2000 Sydney Olympics.
“All credit to goalkeeper PR Sreejesh for his brilliant performance. Coach Graham Reid blended Asian and European styles to good effect. Skipper Manpreet Singh, drag-flickers Harmanpreet (Singh), Rupinderpal (Singh) and Amit Ruidas were consistent. Players like Simranjeet Singh also contributed well. In fact,” he said and thanked the Odisha government for sponsoring hockey in the last five-six years.
This medal, he hoped, would revive the game in the country. “This should change the scenario for hockey in India. I hope corporates will come forward to sponsor hockey tournaments and players again,” said the Hyderabadi who represented India in 307 internationals.
Edward Alloysius is another international from Hyderabad. The 1996 Atlanta Olympics goalkeeper was overjoyed. “This brought back memories of my playing days. Hockey has come back. I thank the Indian team including coach Reid for the fantastic team effort.”
Being a goalie, Alloysius was impressed by Sreejesh’s excellent show in the goal. “The Indian team saved their best for the final moments of the game. The last 5-10 minutes are very crucial in any match. Indian teams used to succumb to pressure in these crucial moments. This team was different,” said Edwards, who represented India in 147 internationals between 1989 and 2000, including the 1994 World Cup.
Edwards can take credit for getting Sreejesh into the Indian junior team in 2004 before the Australian tour. “The then Indian hockey chief KPS Gill wanted Harjot Singh in the team. But I insisted on Sreejesh as he is tall and has the skill to play for the country,” said Alloysius, who was the goalkeeping coach of the Indian team in 2008-09.
