Kookaburras rout India to continue hockey dominance as golden Games come to a close

On the opening night of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, Eddie Ockenden marched into Alexander Stadium, carrying the Australian flag with the broadest of smiles. A distinguished servant of Australian hockey for 16 years, Ockenden was a popular choice for the honour. His excellence with the hockey stick and his humility away from the pitch were on display again on Monday as the Kookaburras finished the Games with a gold medal.

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A decider pitting the silver and bronze medallists at last year’s Tokyo Olympics against each other soon became a mismatch as Australia trounced India 7-0 in a romp to the gold medal. This was seventh heaven for Australian hockey, with the Kookaburras having claimed all seven tournaments when the sport was played in the Commonwealth Games. Australia have now won 41 of the 42 matches they have played at this level. In finals, the combined scoreline reads 33-2. Routs have become routine.

Ockenden, who equalled Kookaburra great Mark Knowles as a four-time gold medallist, has now featured in four memorable campaigns. An Olympic gold is the missing piece. He has a silver medal from Tokyo and bronzes from Beijing and London. Although 35, he harbours ambitions for Paris in 2024.

“It has been incredible. You won’t find anything else in your life you can do so passionately,” Ockenden said. “To be able to play hockey for so long and do what I’ve been able to do, I have been very lucky.”

The Australians scored from seven of their 23 shots for goal while restricting India to just five attempts. It could be argued Indian keeper PR Sreejesh did well given the barrage. Jacob Anderson and Nathan Ephraums scored two goals each,