International hockey set to return to New Delhi after 10 years; veteran players Zafar Iqbal, Harbinder Singh hail Indian team

Legendary hockey player Zafar Iqbal praises Indian team's improvement, invites fans to support upcoming matches against Germany in New Delhi.

The general impression that the Indian hockey team concedes late goals has changed with its second successive Olympic bronze medal and the Harmanpreet Singh-led side is one of the best in the world in all aspects, feels the legendary hockey player Zafar Iqbal.

Iqbal, a gold medallist at the 1980 Moscow Olympics and captain of the 1982 Asian Games silver-winning Indian team, is hoping for an uptick in the game’s profile in the country after the bronze medals in the Tokyo and Paris Olympics.

“The general impression before was that India is a team that concedes goals late in games but that has changed now, we are one of the best teams in the world in all aspects,” Iqbal said in a Hockey India release. “Back in our era, hockey had an immense following. Events like the Nehru Gold Cup, Asian Games and other international matches drew a lot of supporters and palpable excitement always followed the huge stadiums we played in.”

Talking about the India vs Germany matches to be played at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi on October 23 and 24, he said, “Germany is a tough team, we beat them in the Tokyo Olympics to win bronze medal and lost to them recently in semifinals in Paris, so I’m sure the Indians will be rooting for us to get one over them.”

“The facilities are top notch and I am sure the game will be filled with riveting action. And, I would like to take this opportunity to invite hockey fans to turn up in numbers to support our team,” he added.

Another hockey legend Harbinder Singh is also upbeat about the return of big matches in the national capital. “1972 was the last time I played hockey in Delhi for the national team. I remember Shivaji Stadium was filled to the brim and fans were on their feet cheering for us,” he asserted.

“I believe a lot of fans will turn up to cheer for India and Germany as well. They will be witnessing a high-level international match after a decade after all,” added Singh, a gold winner at 1964 Tokyo Olympics gold, and bronze medallist at 1968 Mexico and 1972 Munich Games.