hat an eventful day December
19 turned out to be. The Queen Sirikit stadium was awash with tricolors. The route to the
stadium was clogged with cars. An overflow crowd forced some fans to climb onto the roof.
The press box was occupied by Indian fans, who refused to vacate. The media persons had to
be shifted to an adjacent block, in between the AHF and FIH officials.
When Ballal made the two saves, the crowd started going into a frenzy. After Mukesh slotted in the penalty stroke, the entire stadium was overwhelmed by emotion. Every official connected with hockey ran on to the ground to hug the players and dance in delight.
The medal ceremony was delayed because the fans continued to mob the hockey stars, a situation not witnessed in any other sport in India except cricket. A huge number of people waited at the entrance to get the autographs of Pillai and Ballal.
Foreign reporters covering the finals raved about India, and particularly about Dhanraj's game. The chief of the Korean delegation admitted, "Your centre-forward, that Pillai, is the best forward in the world. Oh, what speed that man has."
The media personnel, television cameras in tow, started to interview the heroes. Dhanraj was delirious, and his chest had to be massaged so that he could speak. After thanking his coach, the team, and all mothers whose sons play hockey, Dhanraj broke down, tears rolling down his cheeks.
After 32 long years, India had made sporting history again.
Photo Courtesy - Sportstar