FIH Men's Hockey World Cup: Field hockey legend Harcharan Singh looks back at India's 1975 triumph

India has been a country that has dominated sports for many decades, winning eight Olympic gold medals and the 1975 World Cup glory prompting many to reflect on the past, players, fans, and the alike. 

Harcharan admitted that the idea of winning the trophy motivated them to work harder in the 1975 edition of the tournament. He has a lot to speak on India's glory years -1971, 1973, and 1975. 

The left winger, who was considered one of the best of his time, reflected on their 1975 victory in Kuala Lumpur, "We got goosebumps when we first saw the trophy which was displayed in the team hotel and we thought that this has eluded us in the last two World Cups."

They were determined to win that year, and the ace left-sided attacker turned out to be a crucial player in India's bid scoring an important goal during extra time in the semi-final match against Malaysia. 

In the summit clash against Pakistan, Harcharan was instrumental in their marginal victory. Harcharan remains one of the four players to be featured in the first three consecutive editions of the World Cup. 

The hockey legend had made his international debut against Kenya in a test series in Amritsar in 1969. Harcharan was a part of the team that also won the bronze medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics.

He shared that the matches held between India and its neighbours, including arch-rivals Pakistan, had emotional value in those days. The atmosphere was charged no matter who won. 

India succumbed to Pakistan in the 1971 World Cup but defeated them in 1973 and 1975. "This was the time just after the 1971 war, and having won against Pakistan in 1973 and 1975, it felt like we had done something great for our country."

Will India win a medal in the FIH Hockey World Cup 2023?

The Indian men's hockey team has not won a medal since 1975. The former ace is sure that the current squad can overcome India's long-drawn misery. 

"This is a very crucial time for India hockey if they want to achieve great things." The fact that they can compete in front of their countryfolk at the FIH Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup in Bhubaneshwar-Rourkela 2023 is an excellent opportunity for the Blue Tigers. 

"The present team has improved tremendously and they got the killer instinct, and they are on the up after the Tokyo Olympics," he added. 

India at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2023

India will face Spain in the opening match of the World Cup next year at the new constructed Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela on January 13, 2023. 

The World Cup will conclude on January 29, 2023, as four pools with four teams compete for the trophy. India is named in Group D alongside Spain, England, and Wales. 

Under Graham Reid, India is now ranked fifth in the world and is at the top of its allotted group.