INDIAN HOCKEY TEAM

Evening Star, Issue 22027, 13 May 1935, Page 11

INDIAN HOCKEY TEAM

DHYAN GHAND’S STICK PLAY FACTS ABOUT PLAYERS Some interesting facts about the 'lndian hockey team which arrives in Wellington to-day to commence a tenweeks’ tour of New Zealand, have been received from Mr G. F, Milner, president of the Western Australian Hockey Association (says a Christchurch exchange). N In a letter to the New Zealand Hockey Association Mr Milner states : “The Indian hockey team which defeated Western Australia at Fremantle by 11 goals to 1 is a wonderful side, and spectators were amazed at their marvellous stick work. Dhyan Chand, who is captain of the side, and who was nicknamed the ‘ human eel,’ scored six out of the 11. goals. Opinion is divided as to whether ho or his brother Hup Singh is the better stick player;. they are certainly a wonderful pair.” M. J. Gopalau was a member of last year’s Indian cricket team and was included in the test side. Harball Singh is the only one of the team who wears a turban and grows a heart]. Mr P. Gupta, who is an official accompanying the team, Mas non-playing captain of the India Olympic team at I,os Angeles, which defeated Japan by 14 goals to 1, and the United States by 21 to 1. The team afterwards toured the whole of Europe, meeting the best teams of most countries, ami were undefeated. Mr Gupta is only 4ft 9in in stature, is a former secretary of the All-India Hockey Federation, and an A grade umpire, 'and has the distinction of being the only Indian umpire to officiate at a hockey final at the Olympic Games, He is also a keen association football and polo player. Several of the players are university graduates. Air Rehram Doctor, manager of the team, is a bachelor of science. According to the latest advice, P. Fernandez will replace Agnihotri in the team, but Mr Doctor stales that the alteratioil does not weaken the team. After playing the game against Western Australia at Fremantle, the Indian team ivere the guests of the Western Australian Trotting Association at an evcvi'ng meeting, and were welcomed by of the a'-soeia i ion between tin: races.