The lows of Indian hockey have far outnumbered the highs in recent times, but captain Sardar Singh today said the "belief" could return if the team wins the ninth Asia Cup here tomorrow.
Sardar and drag-flicker V R Raghunath were the only members of the present team who were part of the Indian side which failed to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, a massive low given that the country was an eight-time gold-medallist at the event.
The star midfielder said winning a major tournament was long due for Indian hockey and the Asia Cup triumph would infuse new "life" into the game back home.
"It's been long time that we didn't taste any good win or won a major tournament. The Asia Cup can bring belief among hockey lovers back on the Indian team," Sardar told PTI in an interview on the sidelines of the eight-nation tournament at the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium.
"The Asia Cup title can motivate youngsters who are leaving the game and taking up other sports. I hope this win can infuse life back into Indian hockey. I hope this win can bring back smiles on the faces of Indian sports lovers. Indian hockey requires the Asia Cup title," he said.
India yesterday defeated Malaysia 2-0 to enter the final of the Asia Cup. In the summit clash, India will face defending champions South Korea, who shattered Pakistan's World Cup hopes with a 2-1 victory in the first semifinal.
"Indian hockey required this win (against Malaysia). But the best thing is continuing our winning run. The credit goes to all the young players. I know how hard and high intensity our training in the last 5-6 weeks has been. But still we are yet to achieve our main aim," said Sardar.
