It was Ranchi Rhinos’ magic all the way as they went to emerge as the winners of the inaugural edition of Hockey India League (HIL) amidst fan frenzy.
With 28 days, 34 matches and 147 goals, Ranchi Rhinos toppled Delhi Waveriders in a scintillating display of fine strokeplay reflecting a perfect final, and it was the Rhinos who had the last laugh after Waveriders grabbed all the headlines over the past one month.
There was absolute craziness on the roads as Ranchiites reveled, even making the players join them. Fans mobbed the team bus at Albert Ekka Chowk, and the celebration was so vivacious that the uninitiated would have thought they were rejoicing a World Cup win in some sport. That excitement is taken. The last month has been different for the people of Jharkhand. The state has been under President's rule since January 18, so this victory comes as a positive distraction.
But most evidently, HIL's appeal is not confined to hockey fans. The tournament has been able to reflect players and coaches into fans. Even India coach Michael Nobbs has said HIL will help "India evolve into a powerhouse in the world of hockey again." After posting up with their worst-ever performances in the London Olympics last year, that theory is something the nation would totally want to be proven true.
HIL has not only been a revelation in terms of the cash the players earned, it has also offered the Indians the opportunity to learn from the greats of international hockey.
"It's great for Indian hockey as the young players are getting to learn a lot from the top players around the world, who are tactically stronger," said Waveriders coach AK Bansal.
Meanwhile, Punjab Warriors coach Barry Dancer never gives in that Indian players lack anything that the foreign players have. "Even though there is no difference between the Indians and foreign players, the senior players of India have learnt to take responsibility and there has been a huge development in the way they approach the game," said Dancer.
The emergence of a young breed of talented Indians has also been a major asset from the tournament. Mandeep Singh, Manpreet Singh, Birendra Lakra, Malak Singh, Gurmail Singh, Rupinder Pal Singh, Ranjit Singh and Gurinder Singh have impressed one and all.
Even though there is no speculation about the tournament's victory, the foreign recruits are averse to compare it with the club fixtures in Europe.
"The European club competition is very different to HIL. There we practice together for over a year and the team builds up slowly. As a result, the team performance in HIL is average but the individual brilliance is as good as that of the European clubs," said Rhinos skipper Moritz Fuerste.
Also, HIL organizers have to do something about planning the tournament properly. It came under harsh criticism over the past few weeks. "The tournament has been very long and difficult," said Rhinos head coach Gregg Clark just before of the semifinal against UP Wizards.
