Ajit Pal Singh, the captain of the 1975 Hockey World Cup team, still remembers how his team had defeated Pakistan in the sensational 2-1 goal in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia.

“It was perfect team co-ordination and team work that made us win the world cup,” recalled Singh.

Singh and other members of the 1975 World Cup team were happy as the Odisha government had invited them to be a part of the 14th edition of the Hockey Men’s World Cup in Bhubaneswar.

“Thanks to Odisha government for sponsoring the hockey team. They are a good host. We lack words to appreciate the efforts of the Odisha government. We feel proud,” said Singh.

Singh said: “The moment we stepped into the temple city, we were mesmerised to see its green cover and the way the city has been decorated. The city looks like a bride at this moment,” he said.

“Any Indian will hope that India will clinch the trophy. We are here to lend our support to the Indian team.”

Singh admitted that the hockey had changed over the years. “There was a brain game involved in hockey at that time. Now it’s more of strength and force. The game has become fast. Sometimes we do miss the classical touch in hockey. We played on the grass. Now players play on astro-turf. With introduction of this, the game has become fast,” he said.

Singh recalled how they had made a number of plans to be the champion.

“We had established a perfect co-ordination. Everyone was able to use what was going on the minds of our guys as well as the opponent. We had the bonding. That resulted in winning the hockey world cup. After we won the entire nation went into a celebration. Since then for the last 43 years we are waiting when the India will win the trophy again and hope our dream for a second world cup will be materialised.”

Singh said as the focus has changed to strength, many European teams are doing better. “However, our preparation is good this time. The guys are well prepared and trained hard over the years. In the recent past, they had done well in many international games. We hope that this time, they will rise up to the occasion.”

Another player, H.J.S. Chimni recalled how there was an euphoria in the entire country. “We are here to motivate our players to translate the dream of crores of Indians to lift the World Cup trophy,” he said.

Before the beginning of the inaugural ceremony, they were invited to the stage. Singh encouraged the crowd by saying that his heart still beats for hockey.