Hockey players Of My Father's And My Era Were The " FLOWERS- OF - GARLAND " Offered To The Gods And Deities During The Prayers
Pic - :: The Railway Station, Dunedin, June 18th ,1926, When the " FIRST" Ever Indian Hockey Team Set Its Feet At Abroad to play Hockey Matches Abroad. It was 8.45PM On That Day When The Team landed At Dunedin
This article has been published in an American Sports Journal " SPORTS COLOUMN " and this is for the Indian Sports lovers and the Hockey fan followers to read it
Ashok Kumar Dhyan Chand: Chronicle of Prestige, Legacy of Excellence
February 29, 2024Ashok Kumar Dhyan Chand, India's sports, Indian field hockeyIn the chronicles of pre-independent India, it is unequivocal that the international acclaim garnered by the nation owes much to India’s national game of Hockey and the iconic figure of Major Dhyan Chand.
With unparalleled mastery, intuitive prowess, strategic brilliance, steadfast commitment, and unwavering demeanor, Dhyan Chand elevated Hockey to a form of art and emerged as an ambassador of goodwill, joy, and generosity on the world platform. Esteeming field hockey as a sacred endeavor, he received reciprocal affection and admiration from the sport. Indeed, Dhyan Chand’s lineage emerges as a pioneer in Hockey, fostering and molding its heritage. Notably, his brother Roop Singh holds the distinction of being a two-time Olympic medallist.
At the same time, his son Ashok Kumar ascends to the esteemed company of only nine Indians in field hockey to have won an Olympic medal and the Hockey World Cup—a feat of such magnitude that it appears improbable to be duplicated soon.
Courtesy Wills Book of Excellence-Hockey
On the journey of field hockey to be contested as a sport at the Olympics, the former Indian captain Ashok Kumar said, “It was during a meaningful tour of New Zealand by the inaugural Indian Hockey team, comprised predominantly of Sikh regimental Centre players, that Major Dhyanchand’s virtuosic display of wrist manipulation and stick mastery redefined the sport. Such was the magnitude of his skill that conventional adjectives fell short, prompting the press to articulate his prowess with unprecedented terms like “wizardical.” This effusive coverage catalyzed a groundswell of demand, compelling the International Olympic Committee to integrate Hockey into the main Olympic roster.”
The former player from Indian Airlines and Mohan Bagan Athletic Club player had an exceptional ball control technique, and he reached a formidable prowess on the field through his dribbling. On his father’s influence on his natural game, he said, “My father refrained from urging us into the realm of Hockey, aware of his profound reverence for the sport. A paragon of perfection, he refined his skills within an era devoid of contemporary amenities and professionalism. Our approach to the game starkly contrasted with modern standards. Through countless hours of resolute practice and an unwavering dedication to represent India, I honed my skills and forged a path to carve out a distinctive identity for myself. While my father’s influence loomed large, he never directly steered us toward Hockey.”
TSC’s Ravi Mandapaka caught up recently with Ashok Kumar Dhyan Chand for a conversation about his times in field hockey and his legendary father, Major Dhyan Chand.
Ravi: Could you delineate the fundamental disparity like Hockey between your era and that of your esteemed father, Major Dhyan Chand?
Ashok Kumar: Whether in his epoch or ours, financial concerns were never entwined with our pursuit of the game. Our motivation stemmed from a deep-seated desire to propel India to the zenith of global hockey prowess. Our devotion to seeing India ascend as the premier force in the sport was the driving force behind our endeavours. Despite receiving scant recognition or support from the authorities, our allegiance to our nation and our sport remained unwavering.
Courtesy Odisha Bytes
Ravi: What sentiments do you harbor regarding the notable absence of acknowledgment through the Padma awards, given your remarkable achievements? Do you have any reflections on this matter?
Ashok Kumar: (Concealing his emotions) – Ha! Ha! Ha… Even my father has yet to be bestowed with the Bharat Ratna, and my uncle, Captain Roop Singh, with the Padma Bhushan despite securing two Olympic medals in 1932 and 1936. I hope that someday, before I depart this life, the government will indeed confer this monumental national honour upon my late father, my late uncle, and, naturally, myself. Though belated, I remain optimistic that this recognition will eventually be extended to our family.
Ravi: You were a member of India’s only Hockey World Cup team, which has yet to secure a medal. Please elaborate on this and suggest changes India could implement to ascend to the podium in future World Cups.
Ashok Kumar: We were on the verge of clinching the 1971 and 1973 World Cups; however, luck eluded us in the finals of 1973, where we succumbed to Holland in a tie-breaker due to inclement weather despite leading 2-0. In 1971, our aspirations were thwarted due to the inclusion of unfit players from influential circles. This trend persists, preventing India from reclaiming the World Cup since 1975. The 1975 team possessed exceptional fitness, speed, and a knack for lightning-fast strikes, culminating in a resounding victory. Our defense, midfield, and forward line were formidable, with every player excelling. Our singular focus was on securing the gold, and we approached the tournament with unwavering determination.
Ravi: Reflecting on the evolution of Hockey from the traditional two 35-minute halves to the contemporary 4-quarter format, what insights can you offer regarding this transformative change?
Ashok Kumar: Comparisons between modern-day and historical Hockey are fallacious; the former embodies brute force and physicality, while the latter epitomizes artistry, creativity, and magic. We played on grass in our era, demanding unparalleled wrist and fist strength. Today’s Hockey, played on Astroturf, emphasizes physical prowess over finesse.
Regrettably, subpar coaching and a defensive mindset have plagued Indian Hockey, resulting in a decline. Hockey is inherently an attacking game; adopting a defensive stance is antithetical to success. The dwindling participation in Hockey underscores the dire state of the sport in India, a stark departure from its once-vibrant legacy.
Ravi: How do you discern the disparities between Indian and foreign coaches in Indian Hockey?
Ashok Kumar: In the past, players were self-taught, but today, coaching has become more structured, with both Indian and foreign coaches playing crucial roles. The emphasis should be on adopting a proactive, attacking style rather than a defensive one to elevate Indian Hockey to new heights.
Pic - :: At The Lobby Of The Hotel At Kuala Lumpur In 1975.Ashok Dhyanchand Watching Keenly The World Cup Hockey . He had taken a " VOW " To Win It Handsdown Then , For India
Ravi: Apart from your father, do you admire any specific players within Indian Hockey?
Ashok Kumar: While I aimed for victory in every match and tournament, success depended on the collective effort of my teammates and colleagues.
Ravi: Apart from your father, do you admire any specific players within Indian Hockey?
Ashok Kumar: Oh! You inquire about Hockey and its illustrious players. Today, I attended a match between two college teams on a grass field in Delhi. Their performance surpassed even what we achieved at their age when we embarked on our hockey journey. Witnessing their remarkable display astounded me; these young talents dazzled me and left an indelible impression. From those budding talents to the seasoned players who represented India, there is certainly no shortage of exceptional individuals I have had the privilege to witness in action. However, the systemic deficiencies have prevented us from sustaining the pinnacle we once held from 1928 to 1956. It is challenging for me to single out a few players from an era characterized by magicians and wizards, to which I also proudly belong. Indian Hockey, akin to a garland adorning the players, was a collective legacy rather than a collection of individual stars, making it difficult for me to highlight specific names to distinguish myself.
Ravi: Can you recount any memorable experiences where you endured setbacks and emerged more potent as a player and an individual?
Ashok Kumar: As I departed for the 1975 World Cup camp, I sought the blessings of my father and mother. I could discern the pain in my father’s eyes, and I made him a solemn promise—that upon my return, I would bring home the gold medal and the World Cup.
It was a vow I made with unwavering resolve. When I netted the winning goal and the final whistle blew, I felt a profound sense of fulfillment, as if I had repaid a debt owed to the entire nation and had given my father something to be genuinely proud of.
Mr Shyamal Bhattacharjee, the author was born at West Chirimiri Colliery at District Surguja, Chattisgarh on July 6th 1959 He received his early education at Carmel Convent School Bishrampur and later at Christ Church Boys' Higher Secondary School at Jabalpur. He later joined Hislop College at Nagpur and completed his graduation in Science and he also added a degree in B A thereafter. He joined the HITAVADA, a leading dailies of Central India at Nagpur as a Sub-Editor ( Sports ) but gave up to complete his MBA in 1984 He thereafter added a Diploma In Export Management. He has authored SIX books namely Notable Quotes and Noble Thought published by Pustak Mahal in 2001 Indian Cricket : Faces That Changed It published by Manas Publications in 2009 and Essential Of Office Management published by NBCA, Kolkatta in 2012, GOLDEN QUOTES on Inspiration, Sorrow, Peace and Life, published by B.F.C Publications, Lucknow, and QUOTES:: Evolution and Origin of Management Electives by Clever Fox Publishing, Chennai and From Dhyan To Dhan :: Indian Hockey - Sudden Death Or Extra Time published by Clever Fox Publishing House . He has a experience of about 35 years in Marketing .
Signature Of Shyamal Bhattacharjee
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