— Photo: Vino John

DELECTABLE FARE: A feast for hockey fans will be spread out from Saturday with stars like Teun de Nooijer of the Netherlands showcasing their skills at the Champions Trophy in Chennai.

Chennai: Consciously conceived to give competitive hockey an image of elitism, the Champions Trophy has traversed through an eventful era adding an enchanting depth and dimension since the launch in 1978.

Its impact on the goal of achieving a measure of globalisation, which the International Hockey Federation (FIH) assiduously endeavours for, has been significant.

Though only 13 countries have figured in the competition so far, with a mere five — Germany (8 times), Netherlands (7), Australia (7), Pakistan (3) and Spain (1) — claiming the trophy, the competition's contribution towards the spread of the game has been tremendous.

On the threshold of the 27th edition, it is difficult to wrench away from a mood of nostalgia or from introspecting the vicissitudes that all along has projected a vibrant mosaic of style, system and strategies mirroring the ingenuity of coaches to fine tune the essence of improvisation among players.

Element of romance

The competition not only identifies the best among the top six but also brings forth an element of romance that reflects the spirit and mood of the times.

When Chennai won the bid to be the host for a second time, after holding the event in 1996, there was satisfaction all around.

The power equations have transformed enormously in the nine-year gap and the venue sports a new look after the installation of the Polyton turf and floodlights.

Where is the trophy headed for this time around? Will it be Spain again or any of the remaining five? No country has accomplished so much in the last few years as Spain, which claimed the cup last year at Lahore.

Man of destiny

The man who has changed Spain's fortunes is Maurits Hendriks. Acknowledged as the best in business, the Dutchman has fashioned a skilful combination.

The team is handicapped somewhat by the absence of the seasoned mid-fielder, Juan Escarre. The individual proficiency of Pablo Amat and Eduard Tabau in the frontline, Shanti Freixa in the defence supported by the veteran goal-keeper Bernardino Harrera should more than compensate for Escarre's inability to make it.

Quamada unwell

However, the mood in the Spanish camp became sombre on the eve of the tournament when Pablo Paul Quamada had to be rushed and admitted to a city hospital for an emergency operation. The player complained of a stomach upset and began vomiting from the morning. Winner of the trophy seven times, three of which happened after the turn of this century, the Netherlands continues to be a force. The shrewd tactician, coach Roelant Oltmans, has returned to take charge after a short stint with Pakistan.

Oltmans has the most seasoned team with at four having over 150 caps — skipper Jeroen Delmee (318 caps), Teun de Nooijer (308), Sander van der Weide (228) and Guus Vogels (176). Delmee, der Weide and Vogels were part of the 1996 winning team.

The silver medallist both at Lahore and in the Athens Olympics, the Netherlands is going through a declining curve. Minus the Hamburg Masters in August, the team slipped to the fifth spot in the Rabobank Trophy at Amstelveen and finished third in the European Cup. Oltmans sees this event as a theatre the reverse the trend.

The maiden Olympic gold last year has heralded a new dawn for Australia under the gregarious coach Barry Dancer. By missing the last edition, citing security concerns, the Aussies frittered away the unique distinction of being part in all the 26 editions.

With the last win coming in 1999, the team, with a majority of Olympic stars, is here for a shot at the trophy under the seasoned mid-fielder, Brent Livermore.

No hockey team provides you that touch of pristine purity as Pakistan. The oscillating fortunes may have pushed the once invincible Pakistanis off the pedestal but the manner in which they have resurfaced this year, winning the Rabobank Trophy, confirms the theory that when the passion to win is intertwined with proficiency, their class touches a new realm of excellence.

Symbolising these are skipper Muhammad Saqlain, whose suspension has been stayed for the moment, Rehan Bhat and Mudassar Ali Khan in the frontline. Interestingly, the team is yet to court success away from home.

Emmerling out

With a record eight triumphs, Germany is more focussed on retaining the World Cup at home next year. Coach Bernhard Peters has an enviable job to shaping a new squad that is devoid of seven veterans who called it a day after Athens.

However, the squad suffered a setback on Friday when seasoned mid-fielder Bjoern Emmerling sustained a knee injury on the eve of the tournament and will be replaced by Moritz Furste. Where does India stand? Will home advantage give it the edge? Such questions are inevitable, in the light of the dissections being made on the performances in the last two years.

There is nothing to portray in panegyrical terms. How the strands of innate skill entwine to emerge as a power to take on Spain on Saturday is a matter of conjecture. Without Dilip Tirkey the defence is vulnerable and the view that Gagan Ajit Singh's men will have to perform beyond expectations is no exaggeration.

Will the weather be benign as the stage is set and the show is ready to begin?

Saturday's matches: Australia v Germany (4.30 p.m.), India v Spain (6.30 p.m.), Pakistan v Netherlands (8.30 p.m.)

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