The achievements of the young Indian hockey team at Ipoh, Malaysia, will not count much if they fail to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics next year.

But anybody who has seen an Indian hockey team playing in the last couple of years would say that this was a good, if not a great, performance. The stats say the same. Over the last four years this is the only second time an Indian team has finished on the podium. There are many who are trying to suggest that the most recent performance is a 'flash in the pan'. But to them I say: "At least there’s a flash."

There was nothing to go gaga about, especially since top teams like Spain, Germany and Holland missed the tournament. But this was a young team and they deserve a fair amount of credit and praise.

There are a lot of reasons for this revival. First on the list would be Joaquim Carvalho. Here’s a coach who won’t compromise on anything less than the best for his side. As far as team selection is concerned, he has managed to lay his hands on the best talent available. In addition to that, he has roped in internationals like M.P.Singh and Mervyn Fernandez who have a flare for modern tactics.

This former World Cup winner and Olympian started paying attention to the minute details that other 'short term' coaches ignored. Sharpening up play and deep penetration by the forwards, more legwork than better stick work, solidity in midfield, stability in defence and more dexterity in individual skill, are some points that come under the former centre-half’s scanner. And the result - a satisfactory Azlan Shah outing without the likes of Gagan Ajit Singh, Viren, Ignace Tirkey, and former captain Dilip Tirkey.

Several players impressed, none more so than Sardara Singh, one of the best midfielders in the world of hockey today. This guy has great speed and his field work is as good as anybody in the game. Bharat Chikkara is a slow starter but another guy who made an equal contribution to the final result. And Roshan Minz, a  confident striker and great runner, proved that he is just as capable holding the ball as he is with goal scoring.

The last name on my list of those who impressed is V Ramachandra Raghunath, certainly one of the big 'finds' of the tournament. Drag flickers are the most important component of any team and with his  power and ability, this guy can find a place in any team in the world. His tackling and covering, though, need a bit of improvement, but remember he is very young and will definitely improve with age.
 
There is no question that Carvalho has brought a refreshing change in attitude. It was as if he knew that physical burn-out would tax his players, so he made even warm-up sessions entertaining. His masterstroke, though, was roping in badminton coach Ganguly Prasad who increased reaction skills of the goalkeepers, which was evident when Chettri stopped three penalty corners against Korea.

India’s next assignment is the Champions Challenge in Belgium. If they maintain their form, India should not find the tournament too difficult. A return to the top  rungs of world hockey would be the ideal tonic for the sports ministry which decided to demote the national game recently. I have serious hopes that this talented side can keep the flames of this victory alive or I’ll confess that I made a mistake by writing this piece too early.

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