Indonesia's men's national hockey team has turned to an unlikely source of inspiration ahead of their highly anticipated Asian Games encounter against host nation India — the 2007 Bollywood sports drama Chak De India.
The film, directed by Shimit Amin, tells the story of a flawed Indian women's hockey team captain who transforms a group of misfit players into a unified championship side that goes on to win the World Cup despite immense odds. Its themes of teamwork, resilience, and rising above expectations have resonated deeply with Indonesian players, many of whom have watched the movie as they mentally prepare for what could be the most challenging match of their careers.
Players on the Indonesian squad have spoken openly about how the film's message strengthens their belief that they can compete with and even overcome one of Asia's dominant hockey nations. The underdog journey portrayed in the film mirrors their own — a team not traditionally expected to win but hungry to prove themselves on the continental stage.
"It's not just entertainment for us," said one senior player, speaking on condition of anonymity. "The film shows what unity can do. When every player gives everything for the jersey, boundaries and differences disappear. That is exactly what we need against India."
India's men's hockey team enters the tournament as the clear favorites, boasting a rich history that includes Olympic gold medals and a recent resurgence that saw them reclaim their status among the world's elite. The Indian side has been dominant in Asian competition, having won the Asian Champions Trophy multiple times and consistently ranking among the top four teams globally.
For Indonesia, however, the upcoming clash represents more than just another group-stage or knockout match — it is an opportunity to write their own underdog story on hockey's biggest Asian stage. The team has been undergoing intensive training camps, focusing on fitness, set plays, and psychological readiness, with coaches incorporating motivational strategies drawn partly from the film's ethos.
Indonesian hockey has seen intermittent flashes of brilliance over the years but has yet to consistently challenge the region's powerhouses. This Asian Games campaign, fueled by inspiration from popular culture, may represent the squad's best chance to make a statement that echoes far beyond the result itself.
