Bhubaneswar: The 1975 World Cup-winning Indian hockey team arrived at the Biju Patnaik International Airport amidst huge reception, Monday. They will be felicitated at the opening ceremony of the 2018 Men’s Hockey World Cup which kicks off at the iconic Kalinga Stadium here, Wednesday.
The 1975 heroes who arrived include Ajit Pal Singh (captain), Ashok Kumar, Aslam Sher Khan, HJS Chimni, Brigadier (retd) Harcharan Singh, Onkar Singh, Varinder Singh, Brigadier (retd) VJ Phillips, PE Kaliah and Leslie Fernandez.
Surjit Singh (who shot the winning goal), Shivaji Pawar and Mohinder Singh, are no more and will be represented by their relatives. Family members of local lad Michael Kindo and Rajendra Kalra will represent them.
In 1975, India defeated arch rivals Pakistan 2-1 in the final in Kuala Lumpur to lift their maiden title and the only title so far. “My players and I are very happy to come to Bhubaneswar. The World Cup is a big occasion and it’s a remarkable achievement by the Odisha government to stage this edition of the sporting extravaganza,” Ajit Pal said.
“Odisha is a powerhouse of hockey and the support the people of the state give to the beautiful game is incredible. I have come here before during the Hockey India League. It’s incredible to be here.”
Speaking about the current Indian team and their chances at the mega event, Ajit Pal gave a strong and motivating message to the boys. “Puri duniya aapke sath hai, aap hume kuch karke dikhaiye” (The entire country is with you and it’s your time to do something. Show us that you have the potential)”.
“Ye jo World Cup trophy hai usko uthao issbar. Humlog kiye they 1975 mein, aab aaplogo ka baari hae wo cheez repeat karneka” (Lift the World Cup trophy and get to know how it feels. We have done it in 1975 and now we want you to do it.)”
Meanwhile, Ashok, who scored the winning goal from Phillips’ pass, appeared thrilled to receive a warm welcome from the fans here. “We didn’t get this type of reception back then like we are getting today,” he quipped.
Asked about the tournament favorites, Ashok replied, “There are no favourites in the World Cup. When we won it we were not. There are quite a few teams who have the potential to win the title, but as far as the Indian team’s performance in the last few months is concerned; the boys have the capability to win the title.”
