Hockey India: This win is more special than 1998

When India won the gold medal at the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games, I did not know that we will have to wait for 16 years to win gold again. That win was a special one - not just because I played my first Asian Games there, but also because the hockey team had won the yellow metal after 32 years.

Thursday's victory in Incheon, however, is more special for not just the team but for hockey fans who have kept supporting the sport despite all the controversies. This victory stands out since it has come at a time hockey was under pressure to prove its worth. As a player, I have been a part of some big wins and disappointing losses.

I was part of the team which did not qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. I had seen people lose interest in hockey, the sport which had given us recognition on the international platform.

It felt bad to see Indian hockey in such a state and like many others, I was waiting for the one big win which will once again bring back the game into limelight. So, when Dharamvir Singh's attempt found the target during the penalty shootout, I was convinced that Indian hockey will bounce back.

I was following India's matches during the Asian Games and could easily mark the difference in the players' mindset. It is true that we have improved a lot. But to justify our improvement, we needed a win. I think the team played well in the group matches but I was highly impressed in the manner in which they played the final against Pakistan. Each player was confident and their body language revealed how badly they wanted the gold medal.

Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh stood like a rock making some brilliant saves, not just during the penalty shootout but also during the match itself. One also needs to laud the five players who took the attempts. When stakes are so high, there is always scope for errors, but they were well prepared.

The best reward for the win is of course, a direct entry into the 2016 Rio Olympics. I can understand how strenuous it can be for players to go through the whole process of Olympic qualifiers. So, a direct berth is the best morale-booster the players can get before the Olympics. However, this win should just be seen as a beginning.

Though the players have improved a great deal in tactics and attack, they need to improve their defence and keep winning major tournaments. For now, I would congratulate all the players and the support staff and wish them more success in the future. (Dilip Tirkey is a former India hockey captain. He spoke to Tazeen Qureshy)