The lows of Indian hockey have far outnumbered the highs in recent times, but captain Sardar Singh said the “belief” could return if the team win the 9th Asia Cup here on Sunday.
Sardar and drag-flicker V.R. Raghunath were the only members of the present team who were part of the side that failed to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, a massive low given that the country was an eight-time gold-medallist at the event.
The star midfielder said winning a major tournament was long due for Indian hockey and the Asia Cup triumph would infuse new “life” into the game back home.
“It’s been long time since we have tasted a good win or won a major tournament. The Asia Cup can bring belief among hockey lovers back on the Indian team,” Sardar said.
“The Asia Cup title can motivate youngsters who are leaving the game and taking up other sports. I hope this win can infuse life back into Indian hockey. I hope this win can bring back smiles on the faces of Indian sports lovers,” he said.