The renowned BP Govinda, who won the Silver Medal at the World Cup held in Amsterdam, Netherlands, in 1973 and the Gold Medal at the World Cup held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 1975, shares his experiences of both events.
The FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s Hockey World Cup Bhubaneswar-Rourkela 2023 is less than 100 days away, and the excitement to see the best hockey players in the world compete in one of the world’s most popular hockey destinations, Odisha, is only growing with each passing day.
It’s time for hockey fans to relive the memories from India’s historic World Cup campaigns with Hockey India’s Flashback Series – World Cup Special as the Indian team works to overcome its medal drought in the coveted competition.
You may read ideas, tales, and trivia from Indian hockey legends who once conquered the world with their skill and flair in this series of pieces from Hockey India that are published in the run-up to the major tournament in Odisha.
With the victory over Pakistan in the Semi-Final, BP Govinda, one of the most important components of the Indian Men’s Hockey Team’s 1973 and 1975 World Cup systems, guaranteed a spot in the Final in Amsterdam. It was one of the best games of the former forward’s illustrious career, according to the former forward, who played forward.
“One of my favorite games in my life was the semifinal against Pakistan. I scored the game-winning goal to give us a one-goal victory. I reverse-flipped the ball, and because the goalkeeper wasn’t paying attention, it went and struck the roof of the net. My teammates, as well as the media, everyone agreed that it was one of the best goals ever,” Govinda remembered.
When we played hockey against Pakistan and India, the stadiums were packed with fans.
Govinda’s remarks
Govinda, whose trendy long hair made him unmistakable on the playing field, stated that the Indian Men’s Hockey Team thought that performing as a team will always produce results. “No matter how great the opposing squad may be, our team has always felt that everything is possible if we play as a unit. I always played to win, whether it was a competition or a practice game.”
Speaking about his friendship with MP Ganesh, the team captain from 1973, the former forward remarked, “He was a very straightforward captain who would tell the team to follow the game plan. He would encourage everyone to give it their all in order to win every game without criticizing anyone. He once served as the players’ guide.”
It Will Not Be Simple to Beat the Indian Men’s Hockey Team
Govinda, a former national selector, expressed his admiration for the Indian Men’s Hockey Team and highlighted that they wouldn’t be an easy opponent at the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup in 2023 in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela. Along with Wales, Spain, and England, India was placed in Group D.
“The present Indian Men’s Hockey Team is quite physically fit, in my opinion. Additionally, I believe that our forward line is performing well, and the attackers have made significant progress as well. It was encouraging to see the team make more field goals.”
“I believe the Indian Men’s Hockey Team won’t be an easy opponent in the next FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar and Rourkela. They will put up a good fight against every great team competing in the World Cup,” Govinda stated.
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