Today, it was Mukesh Kumar, playing in the same position, in the same city. Never mind if his coup de grace came from the dreaded spot in a nerve-wracking penalty shoot-out against South Korea.

That hero, Olympian Balbir Singh who holds a special place in Mumbai hockey folklore, recalled the zero-angle strike that put paid to Pakistan's quest to win the gold for a third-successive time. The setting was much the same a protracted battle that went into extra-time.

``I will never forget the goal,'' Balbir said as he flashed back to Bangkok 1966. ``That was a deserved victory, just as this one was and I am as happy,'' he ethused.

Balbir, whose electrifying skills and solo goals took one's breath away, continued: ``It was a teameffort all the way but I am delighted with the performance of Dhanraj Pillay and Mukesh Kumar along with Baljit Singh Dhillon.''

``This victory will help revive Indian hockey's fortunes, I am sure,'' Balbir, also an adept footballer and an athlete in his time, added.Having played for Western Railways and Indian Railways, Balbir applauded the continuity of the 5-3-2 formation which, he opined, suited the Indian style and psyche best.

As hockey circles in the city, watching on television, went agog with the triumph The Indian Express spoke to some illustrious players of the past. Their reactions gave new hope for the sport beleagured for decades by international failure.

Joaquim Carvalho (Olympian): ``India was certainly the better side in the final and Pillay (Dhanraj) was outstanding. Since India has not won any major tourney in for many years, this will be a big boost to revive the sport in the country.''

Commenting on India's finest win of the decade, Carvalho said, ``The joint effort by theplayers on the field worked well for us in the final. The credit for achieving the milestone goes to the entire team who played their hearts out, especially in the final. Dhanraj was really the striking force of it all.'' He added that since Pillay had come playing a League in France, he had gained a confidence and improved.

Gurbux Singh (former international): Gurbux Singh, elder brother of Balbir Singh Grewal, was profuse in praise for the effort at Bangkok. He said, ``India played a very consistent hockey throughout the tournament. Skipper Dhanraj was certainly outstanding and an improved leader and player. Goalkeeper Ashish Ballal's performance was also commendable. And coach Kaushik's tactics appear to be very well received.''

``It is big boost for the country's national game and I hope the official should wake up and do something to scout more talent for the 2000 Olympics,'' he added.

Leo Pinto (Olympian): The victory is going to be a morale booster for Indian hockey which has been suffering forso long. There is no reason why we should not do well from now. Especially since we have qualified for the Sydney Olympics automatically by winning the gold medal.

As a former goalkeeper, I was naturally very delighted with the performance of Ashish Ballal. I was very tense while watching but after he made the first save I felt pretty sure we would win.

I am happy one of our Tatas boys -- coach Kaushik -- guided us to victory. But we must remember the top nations in the world -- Holland, Spain, Germany and Australia can be a different proposition. We played well with the 5-3-2 formation against Asians. But we must care to vary our tactics against Western teams.