Former India goalkeeper Muneer Sait believes that modern hockey has shifted its focus significantly towards fitness, with player skills taking a back seat. This shift has been evident in the fast-paced nature of the game today.

India, an eight-time Olympic gold medalist, has not clinched the top spot since 1980, though the team did secure a bronze in the last edition of the Games held in Tokyo. Sait, a member of the bronze-winning team at the 1968 Mexico Olympics, shared his insights on India’s prospects in the upcoming Paris Games.

“Luck has a big role to play in modern-day hockey,” Sait remarked, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the sport. He also noted the importance of fitness in the contemporary game, suggesting that the emphasis on physical conditioning has overshadowed the traditional skill-based aspects of hockey.

As India prepares for the Paris Olympics, Sait’s comments underscore the evolving dynamics of the sport and the challenges that lie ahead for the team. The balance between fitness and skill will be crucial for India as they aim to reclaim their position at the pinnacle of Olympic hockey.