It was a disaster waiting to happen

Catastrophe, humilitation, despair and national shame - just some of the adjectives that were used on Indian television and newspapers following the team's failure to qualify for the Olympics since making their debut in 1928.

While I was sad and heartbroken, I also knew that what had happened was inevitable. It was like a disaster waiting to happen. And all hell broke loose once India went down 0-2 to Britain in Chile. The blame game started and the media got enough fodder to chew on till the next round of breaking news and just ins.

Most of the channels went down to the street asking the "common man" about their reactions to this "debacle". Some of the smarter reporters added another question: "Could you name five members of the present squad?" The answer was an eerie silence.

Coach Joaquim Carvalho stepped down. "I did my best, but it was not enough. So, it is time to keep my word and step down, for I have failed to deliver," he said.

At least Carvalho was honest, a trait missing in the officialdom of the Indian Hockey Federation. For Carvalho it must have been deja vu. He was a member of the Indian team that finished 12th and last in the 1986 World Cup in Willesden, London.

The truth is that Indian hockey has been in a free fall for close to two decades. Almost 16 years ago, late Indian coach Balkishen Singh had contemplated resignation since India were on the verge of not qualifying for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. India finally did, on goal difference.