Hero FIH - Hoping India beats Poland, wins Finals on way to London

People lament about the undue attention and craving that game Cricket extracts.  Hockey is our National Game and the Hero FIH tournament is the ticket to London Olympics – for the winner gets a birth to play out there. 

In the 6 Nation tournament, India started with a bang against lowly Singapore  winning 15-1 with goals coming in 10,11,18,21,25,30,40,42, 47,48,52,53,54,57 & 70^th minutes.  India  thrashed Italy 8-1; beat France 6-2; and Canada by 3-2.  Today at 0800 pm IST, they play Poland  perhaps would be itching to play out a draw in their last match.

Indians are sort of assured of  a berth in the Finals and may have to play Canada if they beat France in their match.  Poland presently has 9 points and a loss would extinguish their chance.  France has 9 and Canada has 6 and the winner of their match could well be through to Finals, if Poland loses. 

Will India led by Bharat Chetri and Coach Michael Nobbs get that golden opportunity to have a tilt at London Olympics – Go for the Gold at London – is anxiously being waited as only the winner of this tournament travels the road to London, whilst all others get eliminated. 

Not good times for Yuvis -  Promising India striker Yuvraj Walmiki was  ruled out of the remainder of the Tournament due to a hamstring injury.  Walmiki sustained the injury during India’s third round—robin match against France on Tuesday and did not play in the hard—fought 3—2 win over Canada last night.  It is suspected that Walmiki has aggravated a previous injury and might take at least 21 days to get back to match fitness.

The Coach Michael Nobbs said that as per the rules of the tournament we cannot seek any replacement but would draw from the 17 player squad.  Rupinder Pal Singh might play in the forward line and PR Srejeesh might also play along side the Captain goal keeper Bharat Chetri.

With regards – S. Sampathkumar.