GWALIOR: The Indian team is devoid of Nationalism and this is one of the major contributory factors for our decline in the realm of interactional hockey,
Reiterating that the national spirit is ‘more rewarding than even skill and competence, former India international Gurbux Singh made an emphatic forecast here that India as no chance to return to top unless the nationalistic feeling is fully developed. Nationalism, according to Gurbux Singh, translates mediocre outfit into a champion side and we must instill this all-important feeling into modem day players. Gurbux Singh, one of the finest full backs in the ‘world in his day, said we were free from ‘caste, color and creed and this helped us perform well in the international competitions. During my days for nine years, from 1961 to 1969, our only goal was to win at ‘any cost and our theme song was: Vatankee raah me vatan ke naujawan shabeed ho pukarta hai ye zameen asman shaheed ho, said Gurbux Singh.
‘As soon as we got into the bus Laxman started singing and all players Muslim, Sikhs and Christians joined him until we reached the venue, added Gurbux Singh.
Highlighting the importance of oneness. ‘Gurbux Singh said Pakistan comparatively does much better than we do because they believe in one Allah one Kuran and they are fired by nationalism. They respect their national flag and are proud of their salwar Kameez, their national dress, added Gurbux Singh.
In comparison, we are a bunch of groups within groups and even repeated defeats at the hands of nonentities do not stir us, make us feel ashamed, said Gurbux Singh, adding, when we drew a match we did not fee! like taking a meal, so depressed we felt: In contrast our modem players do not feel disappointed at thermal dismal display and stroll about with arrogance with collar up and chest exposed, added Gurbux Singh.
According to Gurbux Singh it is essential to practice and perform how to win friends and influence people. It is always rewarding to be on the right side of the technical ‘committee members, umpires and referees, said Gurbux Singh adding this advantage can be gained with only subtle public relations.
All countries including Pakistan have realized the importance of this all-important aspect and reaped a rich harvest of fruits, declared Gurbux Singh but India decline to learn from their mistakes and follies and continue to be a loner for the lack of funds strategy and right type of officials, added Gurbux Singh.
“Talking about other measures Gurbux Singh said that radical and far reaching changes had to be brought about to regain some of our past glory. Any delay will be more suicidal and we will be overtaken by other nations like Canada and Egypt.
Gurbux Singh holds the view that the Indian Hockey Federation (whoever is in office) should render our domestic calendar particularly National Championship more lively and closely fought than the existing lop sided pattern.
According to Gurbux Singh devotion and dedication are the most important and key positions in national sports bodies should be held by those who have enough time on hand, Hockey needs professionalism and professionals should control it concluded Gurbux Singh.
Article extracted from this publication >> August 25, 1989
