The Hindu : Sport / Hockey : Punjab Gold Cup begins today

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Punjab Gold Cup begins today

Vijay Lokapally

CHANDIGARH: Pargat Singh has launched an ambitious campaign to revive the spirit of the game that he once so passionately played. His organisational skills will now be on display as the four-nation Punjab Gold Cup beckons hockey lovers to the Sector 42 Stadium here.

India, Germany, the Netherlands and New Zealand are in the fray in a competition that has generated considerable interest in the city.

As an acknowledged quality defender, gritty and untiring, Pargat had served India with distinction and then he helplessly watched the rapid decline as Indian hockey hit rock bottom.

This tournament is part of a process that has been set in motion with the disbanding of the Indian Hockey Federation and hopes being raised by the same set of officials and former internationals. Only the garb has changed as India, coached by Harendra Singh, has to face three quality opponents.

India’s opponents in the Gold Cup are all ranked higher. “I take it as an advantage. Indian hockey has not done well and we have nothing to lose. We will only rebuild from here. It is a great opportunity for me and the team,” said Harendra.

India, however, will miss the services of Sardar Singh due to an injury but the rousing form of Deepak Thakur, the flair of Tushar Khandekar, the confidence of drag-flicker Sandeep Singh and a blend of experience and talent is what Harendra is banking upon.

The matches will be shown live on DD Sports from February 1.

The schedule: Jan 31: India v New Zealand (4.45 p.m.); The Netherlands v Germany (6.45). Feb 1: New Zealand v Germany (4.30 p.m.), India v The Netherlands (6.30 p.m.). Feb 3: The Netherlands v New Zealand (4.30 p.m.), India v Germany (6.30 p.m.). Feb 4: Germany v New Zealand (4.30 p.m.), India v The Netherlands (6.30 p.m.). Feb 6: The Netherlands v New Zealand (4.30 p.m.), India v Germany (6.30 p.m.). Feb 7: The Netherlands v Germany (4.30 p.m.), India v New Zealand (6.30 p.m.). Feb 9: Third place (3.30 p.m.); Final (6 p.m.).