Thaindian News

By Anand Philar
Third World Cup - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (March 1-19, 1975)

Massive tropical storms, so typical of the region, delayed and deferred matches, there were venue shifts and an entire gamut of problems marked the third World Cup in Kuala Lumpur.

“I call it destiny and without doubt, the most wonderful moment in my hockey career,” was how Ajit Pal Singh recalled Indian hockey’s finest hour when they won the World Cup under his captaincy.

The tournament was played amidst raging tropical storms, forcing a change of venue for some matches as India pipped Pakistan 2-1 in a rousing final that remains one of the most debated and controversial international hockey matches following Ashok Kumar’s match-winner.

“Ashok took the shot from a rebound and it hit the inside of the post. We knew it was a clean goal. The Pakistanis protested to umpire G. Vijayanathan (Malaysia) saying the ball had not crossed the goal-line. But the umpire upheld the goal. Ultimately, it was a great team effort and I thank the Lord for helping us win the World Cup,” said Ajit Pal.

Earlier, Zahid Sheikh had given Pakistan a 1-0 lead, but Surjit Singh converted a penalty corner for the equaliser and set up a thrilling finish.

However, the going was anything but easy. In the semi-finals, India came from behind to beat Malaysia who led 2-1 three minutes to close when Ashok Kumar forced a penalty corner. Ajit Pal summoned Aslam Sher Khan to take strike and the full-back converted to tie the scores 2-2. Harcharan Singh scored the match-winner in the extra-time.

The match was in fact replayed on the morning of the final after rains forced abandonment the previous evening after seven minutes of play.

In the league, India lost 1-2 to Argentina and drew 1-1 with Australia besides defeating England 2-1 and debutants Ghana 7-0. In their final league game that was replayed after rain interruption, India overcame West Germany 3-1 to top the pool.

Interestingly, India’s World Cup preparations included yoga classes that, it is said, helped them win. “I wouldn’t single out any player as hockey is a team game. We combined well and played good hockey,” Ajit Pal remarked.

Indian team

Goalkeepers: Leslie Fernandez, Ashok Dewan. Full-backs: Michael Kindo, Aslam Sher Khan, Surjit Singh. Half-backs: Mohinder Singh, Ajit Pal Singh (captain), Virender Singh, Onkar Singh. Forwards: V.J. Phillips, Ashok Kumar, Harjinder Singh Chimni, Shivaji Pawar, B.P. Govinda, Harcharan Singh and B.P. Kalaiah. Coach: Gurcharan Singh Bodhi.

How they finished

1. India; 2. Pakistan; 3. West Germany; 4. Malaysia; 5. Australia; 6. England; 7. New Zealand; 8. Spain; 9. The Netherlands; 10. Poland; 11. Argentina; 12. Ghana.

(Anand Philar can be contacted at anandphilar@gmail.com)