MUSCAT: Former India and Oman hockey coach Saiyed Ali Sibtain Naqvi was over the moon when Indian men won the hockey bronze in Tokyo Olympics, first hockey medal for India after 41 years.
One of the survivors of the golden era of India hockey, SAS Naqvi said it was a dream come true.
“I congratulate the young Indian team for claiming the long-awaited medal. It’s a historic occasion for hockey in India,” Naqvi told Oman Observer.
Many Indian players including star goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, captain Manpreet Singh and defender Rupinder Pal Singh had visited Naqvi’s residence in Muscat when they came to Oman on different occasions.
“Goalkeeper Sreejesh, Manpreet and Rupinder had visited my place and I am proud these players along with their teammates have revived the Indian hockey at the Olympics,” the 89-year-old enthused.
The first coach of Oman hockey team, Naqvi also hailed the splendid performance of Indian women’s hockey team who missed out on a bronze medal after a 4-3 defeat to Britain.
“It was hard luck for the girls in the bronze-medal match, but they made the country proud by reaching the semifinals. It is a young team and these players will take the side forward for sure.”
He was the coach of Indian women’s teams for the Madrid World Cup 1978 and a tour of Holland, France and Britain.
MEDAL TO REVIVE GAME
Naqvi, during his early years in hockey, was close to Indian hockey legend Dada Dhyan Chand and hockey stalwarts like KD Singh Babu and Kishan Lal.
“This medal by the men’s team will surely help to revive the game in India. I hope the authorities continue with encouragement for the players and coaches.”
“The present team is a good mixture of experienced and young players. I hope more talented youngsters join the squad to keep the standard of the game intact.”
In 2016, Naqvi received the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Asian Hockey Federation’s (AHF) Lifetime Achievement Award.
Naqvi was honoured for his 75 years contribution to hockey in India and the Sultanate in various capacities as an international player, coach of India’s men’s and women’s teams as well as the chief coach of Oman.
“With this brilliant performance the Indian men’s and women's teams proved that they are strong sides to reckon with in modern hockey. It also underlines the credentials of the eight-time Olympic gold medal winners,” the hockey personality concluded.
Naqvi was the coach of the Indian hockey team (men) in 1973 and 1975, coach of the Indian hockey team (women) in 1978 and 1979, national hockey coach of Oman in 1982, and technical adviser of the Oman Olympic Committee for 18 years from 1984 to 2002.
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