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Regret missing India Pakistan tie

2010-03-10 17:03:00

esotted by the ‘electrifying atmosphere’, Mir Ranjan Negi tells espnstar.com what he should not have done last on Holi eve.
By Rajarshi Gupta

Twenty-eight years since the fateful Asian Games loss against Pakistan, former Indian goal-keeper has brushed aside the bitter memories of the 1-7 loss.
 

What followed had rocked his world, forcing Negi into seclusion. Certain sections in the media and critics accused him of accepting bribes from Pakistan and letting in those goals on purpose. The keeper's humiliation that had unfolded rather mercilessly found inspiration in a Bollywood blockbuster ‘Chak de India', a film that had been shot in the Dhyan Chand National Stadium, venue of the 12th Hockey World Cup.
 

"That was the last time I had come to the ground- to shoot for the film. This is the first World Cup game I came to watch this year and I regret not being here to see India beat Pakistan," said Negi ahead of India's clash against South Africa.
 

"We beat them hands down; I should have been here to witness that. The 1982 game is well and truly a thing of the past for me, especially after we beat them so comprehensively a few days back.
 

"This is sensational and I had not expected so many people to be here to cheer the team on. When we were shooting Chak de India, I had only imagined what it would be like to see India play in front of packed stands.
 

"Now that I see it unfolding, I get Goosebumps. Look at the crowd, they are unbelievable."
It was after all the same ground where it all started to go wrong for him. India's arch-rivals had thudded in seven goals and Negi was made the scapegoat of an embarrassing defeat. However, he holds no grudges anymore.
 

"That chapter is behind me. It feels wonderful and I feel proud that we trounced Pakistan in the World Cup in the same venue after nearly 30 years. This is special," said a beaming Negi as he greeted old acquaintances in the VIP stand.
The ruthless criticism is something the goalie seemed to have taken in his stride for as he pointed out "Nothing seems to bring out India-Pakistan rivalry in more glory than a hockey match.
 

"The pressure is so intense between these two hockey teams, you know. There is so much history that you tend to get more patriotic during a game of hockey than a match of cricket. It just happens."
 

Negi might have forgiven those cynics from the past but he has some new grudges. He was furious with the International Hockey Federation (FIH) for ‘needlessly' banning Shivendra Singh for two matches in the World Cup, following an apparent unfair tackle in India's victory against Pakistan.
 

"In my opinion, the FIH did a disservice to world hockey by banning Shivender. The Indians had got off to a sensational start and the ground was on fire. Even now, that the hosts are out of semi-final contention, we have a near capacity crowd. Trust me, no where else in the world will you find such an atmosphere in a hockey field.
 

Had India gone through to the last four with Shivender around, it would have done wonders to the game in this part of the world."
Negi, his dignity regained and firmly in place, went back to his seat after the national anthem had played. This was a new Indian team he was looking at, a team that miles to go but without the burden of imposed dishonour.

Source ESPN