Hockey legends excited about India vs Germany series in Delhi

Hockey legends Harbinder Singh and Zafar Iqbal expressed their excitement about international hockey coming back to the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi.

The Indian men's team will take on the Paris Olympics silver medallists Germany in a two-match series on the 23rd and 24th of October.

The last time the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium hosted international hockey was way back in January 2014 when the Hero Hockey World League Final – Men’s Round 4 matches were held at the event.

Padma Shri Harbinder Singh, winner of the 1964 Tokyo Gold, 1968 Mexico Bronze, and 1972 Munich Bronze at the Olympics, is optimistic about a huge number of fans turning up for the game.

“1972 was the last time I played hockey in Delhi for the national team. I remember the Shivaji Stadium was filled to the brim and the fans were on their feet cheering for us. 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,” said Harbinder.

Zafar Iqbal, the gold medallist at the 1980 Moscow Olympics and the captain of the 1982 Asian Games silver-medal-winning Indian team in Delhi, recollected the atmosphere of his time.

"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," said Iqbal.

Talking about India's opponents, he said, "Germany is a tough team, we beat them in the Tokyo Olympics to win the Bronze medal and lost to them recently in the Semi Finals at Paris so, I’m sure Indians will be rooting for us to get one over them.”

Harbinder, meanwhile, praised Hockey India's decision to scatter international events across India.

“High-profile matches should be hosted at various venues across the country, giving a chance for people from all regions to witness the team live in action and grow the following for the sport, in addition to keeping our players sharp for important international tournaments,” Harbinder Singh lauded Hockey India’s initiative to take hockey to all parts of the country.

Last year, Chennai hosted the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy, while Ranchi hosted the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy and the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier. Come November, Rajgir in Bihar will host the upcoming Women’s Asian Champions Trophy.

Iqbal, on the other hand, urged the fans the turn up in huge numbers to make the series a success.

“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. 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," remarked Iqbal.