Paris Olympics, hockey: Semifinal loss would hurt, but India should pick up the broken pieces in bronze playoff

“Khaali haath nahi aana hai…”

Indian men’s hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh uttered the exact same words after his side’s last two matches, but the feelings behind them couldn’t have been more contrasting. The first time was after the sensational backs-to-the-wall performance against Great Britain in the quarterfinal where India heroically held on for a 1-1 draw with 10 men on the pitch for 42 minutes, before winning the shootout. That day, he was brimming with confidence, looking forward to the semifinal challenge. A first shot at a gold medal after 44 years? Bring it on.

Harmanpreet reproduced those words after the semifinal defeat against Germany… this time, the tone – desolate, the body language – crestfallen, the emotion – agony.

As the final whistle blew, he was on his knees staring into the distance. Hardik Singh was on his back on the blue turf, hiding his face but visibly sobbing. PR Sreejesh – who was hit by the realisation that his final match for India won’t be fighting for that elusive gold – was stoic along the sidelines, where minutes earlier he had been bellowing instructions, with India going for 11 outfield players.

Three years back, after somehow staying in touch with eventual champions Belgium for three quarters, India were blown by 5-2 eventually. There was disappointment of course, but if you had asked for an honest opinion from most of the players if they would have been happy with a bronze at the end of the Games, they’d have probably nodded in agreement.

Tuesday in Paris was different. The absolute despair that was writ large on every Indian player’s face told a story. Because this Indian team didn’t come here to try and retain a third-place finish from Tokyo. The reactions in the end summed up the drive they had to win gold… or at least fight for it. The desire to give their talismanic goalkeeper a fitting farewell. The urge to end yet another long wait.

Coach Craig Fulton threw his notepad down in frustration after Shamsher Singh controlled an aerial ball beautifully to then shoot over the goal in the final second of the match. The South African, who has been with the squad for just over a year, had lost his voice when he spoke to the broadcasters after the match. Despite trying his best to sound upbeat about the prospect of fighting for a bronze, he couldn’t hide his disappointment.

India’s Harmanpreet Singh, third left, celebrates after scoring his side’s first goal from a penalty corner during the men’s semifinal field hockey match between Germany and India at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Colombes, France. (AP/PTI)

“A great game of hockey,” he offered in explanation when asked where India lost the match. “One thing here or there could have changed the result. Fine margins.” He went on to add how one of the many chances India had, not just from penalty corners but also for field goals, went unconverted. But he mentioned at least a couple of times that the team must now get ready to bounce back.

A test for minds

Bouncing back. How quickly India get back up from the emotional impact of that defeat, could well decide whether they retain the bronze or return with ‘khaali haath’.

Paddy Upton, who has been working with the Indian team over the past year as the mental conditioning expert, would have his task cut out. Because, on paper, India should be favourites against Spain. There is not much to separate them on world rankings, but this is an India side that comes into the bronze medal match on the back of a fighting defeat against Belgium, a famous win against Australia, and a stunning rearguard against Great Britain. Even the semifinal against Germany was one of the best high-stakes knockout matches India have played in recent times.

But this match is unlikely to be decided purely on quality on paper, it will come down to their mindsets. If India are wallowing in their defeat, and are mentally not switched on quickly enough, Max Caldas’ men will punish them. Spain have had a rollercoaster campaign. One day after losing to Great Britain 0-4, they defeated now-finalists Germany 2-0. But after knocking out the defending champions Belgium 2-1 in a thrilling quarterfinal, they were thrashed 0-4 by Netherlands in the semis. They have, however, shown enough quality for India to know – or expect – they can’t get off to a slow start.

• Paris Olympics: Vinesh Phogat denied on the cusp of ultimate glory, another entry in her diary of heartbreaks
• Vinesh Phogat Disqualified Live Updates, Paris Olympics 2024: First visuals of Vinesh emerge; Cuban wrestler Vinesh defeated to fight for gold
• Vinesh Olympics disqualification: What is weight cutting, and why is it controversial?

India will of course be buoyed by the return of Amit Rohidas, who was missed, especially during Penalty Corner defensive routines. More so, India will be able to play with a full squad of 16, bringing some respite to some seriously tired bodies and minds.

More than half of this current squad tasted the sweet success of bronze in Tokyo, so returning empty-handed is simply not an option for them. ‘Khaali haath nahi aana hai’ would be the perfect rallying call from Harmanpreet and Fulton, not because they are entitled to win bronze. But because of the hockey India have played in their last four matches, they would have deserved it.

Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.