‘Upar Dekho’ could be the mantra that revives Indian Hockey • 07.01.09
India’s new hockey coach, Jose Brasa, keeps shouting ‘Upar Dekho’ or ‘look up’ at the top of his lungs as he watches the Indian players go about their dribbling practise.
The Spaniard’s logic is simple and yet it could go a long way in curing a chronic ailment, not just for Indian Hockey but for Indian sport as general – that of players in team sports being selfish and more inclined to show boat rather than being satisfied as a simple cog in the wheel.
Brasa rightly believes that a player who is not looking up will never know where his team mates are and therefore can never make a good pass – as a result he will either over-dribble or make a bad pass. We have seen Indian player do both on a regular basis and concede possession. Now Jose Brasa has identified the root of the problem and has a simple and effective cure.
If the Indian players end up embracing ‘Upar Dekho’ whole-heartedly, it could well change the fortunes of Indian hockey . It will set a new precedent in Indian sport and ‘Upar Dekho’ could gain cult status as a rallying cry whenever an Indian player or team starts to act selfish.
Here’s a toast to the Spaniard who coaches in Hindi
Upar Dekho, Upar Dekho, Upar Dekho,
