“I am at peace with myself.”
In India’s national field hockey game, the goalkeeper assumes a role of profound significance and stands as the solitary bastion of hope and anchor. With each calculated dive and instinctive extension, the goalie epitomizes an unyielding resolve to safeguard the team’s aspirations and ambitions. Goalkeepers stand as the unheralded champions, the silent sentinels who command the field with poise and fortitude and leave behind an indelible imprint upon the hearts of both admirers and comrades.
Born in Madurai, India, Mark Patterson remains India’s biggest goalkeeping talent after Shankar Laxman. Patterson moved to Bombay very early in his life due to his father’s employment with Air India. His upbringing was deeply intertwined with the rhythm of hockey, courtesy of his father, Terence Patterson, a former player for India (vs. East Germany in the 1960s), the Indian Navy, and Air India.
Photo courtesy Mumbai Hockey Hall of Fame
Patterson’s journey mirrors the resilience of a nation deeply entrenched in the trials and successes of an Indian life. From age four, young Mark found himself drawn to the exhilarating atmosphere of hockey matches, eagerly watching his father’s fearless performances in goal. Despite the minimal protective gear of that era, Terence Patterson’s bravery left an indelible mark on his son, instilling in him a profound respect for preparation, fearlessness, and a boundless love for the game. Terence’s meticulous approach to preparation, from diet to mental conditioning, left a lasting impression on Mark.
Hours spent analyzing games, visualizing strategies, and discussing tactics, he forged a foundation of discipline and dedication that guided Mark throughout his illustrious career. Emulating his father’s commitment to preparation, Mark absorbed knowledge voraciously, studying games and opponents with fervor, even without modern conveniences like the internet. His dedication to his craft saw him rise through the ranks, eventually becoming a formidable force on the hockey field.
In an exclusive interview with Ravi Mandapaka of TSC, Mark fondly recalled the legendary Indian squad of the 1988 Olympics that featured luminaries like Pargat Singh, M M Somaya, Mohammed Shahid, Mervyn Fernandes, and Jude Felix. Additionally, he credits his formative years under the mentorship of Joaquim Carvalho and Marcellus Gomes at Mahindra and recalled memorable encounters with international stars like Floris Jan Bovelander of the Netherlands, Carsten Fischer of Germany, Shabaz Ahmed of Pakistan, and Mark Hager of Australia.
In contemplating his path as a goalkeeper, Patterson pays sincere homage to the legendary Ian Taylor of Great Britain, whom he regards with deep admiration and inspiration. Taylor’s remarkable displays, notably during England’s victorious campaigns in the Olympics and World Cup, profoundly influenced Patterson, who closely tracked his career throughout the 1980s. But it was at the 1988 Seoul Olympics where Patterson’s indomitable spirit truly shone. Despite facing setbacks and the trials of competition, his resilience, unwavering dedication, and heroics in the match against Argentina became the stuff of legend. Mark Patterson was in the goal when India beat Argentina 10 – 9.
Two years later, during the 1989 Nairobi Marshal Memorial Cup, India secured victories over Pakistan twice in the tournament – initially during the league phase and later in the tie-breaker of the final match. Noteworthy was Patterson’s stellar performance in the goal as he skillfully saved all scoring attempts from the Pakistani sticks. To this day, this remains the only instance of India beating Pakistan twice in the same tournament.
Reflecting on pivotal moments in his life, Patterson underscores the influence of esteemed mentors such as Jaswant Singh at Khalsa College in Bombay and, later, Joaquim Carvalho and Marcellus Gomes at Mahindras. These formative experiences instilled in him a deep-seated commitment to professionalism and diligence, paving the way for his journey to representing India on the global stage. A particularly memorable milestone for Patterson was his triumph at the Aga Khan tournament in 1987 while competing for Mahindras. This victory bolstered his confidence and propelled him into the spotlight, culminating in his debut for the Indian national team at 18 years old and his subsequent participation in the 1988 Olympics.
Courtesy Sportstar
It’s often said that our ability to manage pressure in both personal and professional spheres profoundly influences our future path. Patterson emphasized the pivotal role of preparation and work ethic, principles he consistently adhered to throughout his career. Renowned for his unwavering dedication to rigorous training and meticulous readiness, Patterson garnered widespread respect from peers and adversaries, leaving an enduring mark on the sporting landscape.
But life’s unpredictable course eventually led Patterson to Australia, where he found success in technology. Despite this transition, his passion for hockey remains unwavering, a sentiment now shared by his accomplished children who excel in basketball. Amidst the journey, Patterson fondly treasures the memories of his achievements in India while embracing the blessings of his life in Australia, where he continues to flourish alongside his cherished family.
Patterson says he has not been involved with hockey since he stopped playing. Recounting a subsequent decade spent in Perth’s fiercely competitive club hockey milieu, he underscored the formidable standard driven by the Australian Institute of Sport’s proximity. Patterson laments his struggle to maintain a deep involvement in the sport post-playing days, citing an inability to sustain the same level of commitment.
Patterson recognizes the significant evolution in the sport of hockey, which reflects broader shifts in the fabric of life itself. He says, “Indeed, change remains the sole constant and very rightly demands an adaptation from all facets of society—including our beloved game. One striking transformation lies in the unparalleled fitness and speed exhibited by modern athletes surpassing previous generations’ standards. With the introduction of rolling substitutions and quarter breaks, matches now unfold at an exhilarating pace and captivate spectators with their intensity and dynamism. It’s a spectacle that both thrills and impresses from the perspective of any observer.”
Patterson’s firm conviction in the trajectory of Indian Hockey is evident.
Mark Patterson: I firmly believe that India is on the right path. The bronze medal victory at the last Olympics is a testament to India’s potential to reclaim its winning ways, a feat we should all take immense pride in. From my perspective, emphasis on fundamentals remains paramount. However, the focus should extend beyond immediate outcomes to meticulous groundwork for the upcoming Olympics in four years’ time. Too often, the pursuit of instant gratification clouds our vision. Yet, individuals, organizations, and sports teams diligently prioritize constant preparation, learning, adaptation, and innovation, thereby laying a robust foundation for sustainable growth and success, ultimately achieving greatness over time.
As a columnist, I’ve discerned a recurring theme in Patterson’s insights at this stage. He asserts that there are no shortcuts to success in life, sports, or business. Patterson underscores the necessity of long-term investment, cautioning against relying solely on fleeting moments of luck for short-term gains. He emphasizes the irreplaceable value of preparation, focus, work ethic, constant planning, and discipline. Moreover, Patterson advocates for continuous improvement and urges individuals to elevate their efforts exponentially. He draws inspiration from the wisdom of legendary basketball coach John Wooden, defining success as the peace of mind derived from knowing one has earnestly strived to fulfill one’s potential.
For Mark Patterson, genuine success is attained when individuals confidently affirm that they have given their all to become their best version.
Today, as Patterson reflects on his journey as an ardent Indian Hockey fan and a columnist, I am reminded of the timeless adage, “It is not the destination, but the journey that defines us.” In his words, “I’m at peace with myself,” a sentiment that resonates deeply, transcending the boundaries of sports and encapsulating the essence of the human spirit.
For more on Mark Patterson, go here.
Fantastic article and extremely well written.
I was a very close team mate of Marko at Mahindras