MM Somaya: Good preparation and sound tactical awareness helped Indian Hockey team

The Indian men’s hockey team have raised the hopes of a billion Indians after they stormed into the semi-finals of Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games by brushing aside the Great Britain challenge 3-1 on Sunday.

Dilpreet Singh (7’), Gurjant Singh (15’) and Hardik Singh (57’) were on the score-sheet while Samuel Ward (45’) scored for Great Britain.

This is for the very first time that the Indian men’s hockey team have managed to reach the semi-finals at an Olympics since they made it into the final four at Munich 1972.

The last medal won by India at the Olympics was gold when they defeated Spain in the final at Moscow 1980. However, the format of the competition in that edition was six teams competing in the final round, with the top two playing a final for the gold medal.

M.M.Somaya, who was part of India’s Moscow 1980 gold-winning team, stated that the Indian team have been consistent, except for the 7-1 defeat at the hands of Australia in a Pool A game, and have been tactically sound.

The 62-year-old pointed out that the current Indian team always seem to be in control of the proceedings and play as a strong unit as opposed to merely relying on the brilliance of a couple of players, as was the case in the past. He heaped praise on Australian Graham Reid for his work with the Indian team for the last couple of years as the change in their approach is very much visible.

“I am ecstatic. I have been backing this team. It’s a very fit team that we have sent. They have played so well over the last few years. They have been consistent without being excessively showy or attractive or spectacular. They play very tactically sound hockey. Barring that match against Australia, where we were probably outrun and outmanoeuvred, in this tournament we have been in control. Even today, although we were defending for long stretches, we were defending in a very controlled manner. I like the tactical play of this team,” Somaya told Olympics.com.

“I must hand it over to the coaching staff. Australian coach Graham Reid and his support staff have built a very strong unit. There aren’t one or two players who are outstanding, like in the earlier teams. But as a collective unit they play tactical hockey. They never seem stretched, even though they have played against very strong teams like Argentina and New Zealand and Spain. That indicates good preparation and sound tactical awareness,” he observed.

Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who is playing in his third Olympics, continues to impress as the 33-year-old has been a wall at the back. Somaya pointed out that not only is he one of the best goalkeepers on Astroturf, his communication with his defenders at the back boosts the confidence of the players around him. He also said that unlike in the past where Sreejesh would suffer from a lapse in concentration, except against Australia, his performances have been top notch.

“He has been India’s best goalkeeper on AstroTurf. He’s played for so many years. Though he has played well right through his career, there have been the odd instance in big tournaments when there has been a lapse in concentration. But in this tournament, barring the match against Australia, when he could not be blamed for many of the goals, he has played exceptionally well. Not only personal contribution by way of saves, but he also commands the defence around him. He gives them a lot of confidence by way of communication and encouragement. He has played a very key role,” Somaya shared his thoughts on how crucial Sreejesh has been for India at Tokyo 2020.

India will be up against world number two ranked Belgium, who also won against Spain with a 3-1 score-line. Somaya feels that India are no more reliant just on penalty corners as they have been prolific by scoring field goals as well, as was witnessed against Great Britain and the last Poor A game with Japan (5-3).

“Like a good Indian, I am hoping Belgium have exhausted their bullets during the pool match and today’s match against Spain. On a more serious note, I don’t think we will allow them to attack as freely as they do. Our team is capable of nullifying that with sound defence. Now we are not only good at penalty corners, like people were saying earlier, we are also good at field goals, like she showed against Japan and today. We have that dual threat,” said Somaya.