India, Aug. 25 -- It has been more than half a century since India, in either the men's or women's event, matched their best-ever showing at the Hockey World Cup. This year, both teams failed to reach the semi-finals, triggering pointed questions from two of the country's most respected former players. While PR Sreejesh demanded accountability, Viren Rasquinha warned that a medal at the upcoming Asian Games could merely paper over deeper problems.

The Indian men's team, which won three consecutive World Cup medals between 1971 and 1975, including the historic gold in 1975, saw its campaign unravel in the second round. India lost 1-3 to the Netherlands before suffering a 3-5 defeat to Argentina, ending their hopes of reaching the semi-fin...