Legendary Hockey Olympians Share Insights Ahead of Paris 2024

As the world eagerly anticipates the 2024 Paris Olympics, three legendary Indian hockey Olympians share their memories and insights.

Vasudevan Baskaran

Baskaran, the captain of India's historic gold medal-winning team at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, recalls the thrill of meeting Muhammad Ali and Carl Lewis at the Olympic village. He emphasizes the importance of networking and the unique experience of the Olympics, where athletes from all sports come together. Baskaran is optimistic about India's chances in Paris, predicting a double-digit medal tally.

Muneer Sait

Sait, the goalkeeper of the 1968 Mexico City Olympics bronze medal-winning team, expresses his disappointment at missing out on gold due to internal team conflicts. However, he takes pride in his bronze medal, which has become a cherished possession. Sait believes that the current hockey team has excellent fitness but laments the decline in the sport's popularity in India.

Charles Cornelius

Cornelius, a goalkeeper who won a bronze medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics, shares his unique experience of being the only South Indian in a team of Punjabis. He highlights the importance of a goalkeeper's role in stopping the ball and preventing it from becoming a pass to the opponent. Cornelius is hopeful for the current team but expresses concern about the lack of interest in outdoor sports among the younger generation.

The Future of Indian Hockey

The Olympians agree that the current Indian hockey team has the potential to perform well in Paris. They attribute this to the team's improved fitness and the leadership of experienced players. However, they also acknowledge the need to address the decline in the sport's popularity and encourage more young people to take up hockey.

Tags: #Hockey, #ParisOlympics2024, #IndianHockey, #VasudevanBaskaran, #MuneerSait