9th March 2008. A very important day in the history of Indian Hockey. India was playing the final match of Olympic qualifiers against Great Britain. It needed to win this match to qualify for 2008 Beijing Olympics. They were the favorites to win this despite losing to the Brits in the league match.
However, the script was entirely different. The Brits played with a lot of grit & determination scoring 2 goals in the 1st 10 minutes of the game. The Indians were clueless & defended badly. Though no goals were scored after that, it ended the one dream that every hockey lover in India has!!! Winning an Olympic gold medal!!! India managed to achieve the unbelievable! Not qualifying to the Olympic games. This is the first time India has not qualified in 80 years. Considering the legacy that the Indian Hockey has, it is the most shameful day in the history of Indian hockey!
Allegations have been flying thick and fast after the result with the blame game having started on who is to be blamed for the debacle. Things would hopefully improve after this debacle with the administrators of the game being more professional and working towards the betterment of the national game of this country! God save Indian Hockey! Hope I would live long enough to see the revival and be proud to see Indian team win Gold at Olympics.
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