Harendra Singh to be the new coach of Indian Men’s hockey team – Hockey News
After the Supreme Court’s orders on March 12 to Hockey India (HI) for sending the team for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup that is to be held in Malaysia in May, HI confidently asked the former Indian Men’s hockey coach Harendra Singh to reinstate himself as the
national team’s chief coach.
This is yet to be officially announced that can only be done after the appointment gets validated from the Sports Authority of India (SAI). However, for the Women’s national hockey team CR Kumar is known to have been appointed as the head coach.
Both the Men’s and Women’s hockey team were found to be without a coach since an unexpected failure in the Asian Games in November 2010 hit the teams, not being able to secure direct berth into the 2012 London Olympics.
Harendra is now set to hold back his post and is awaiting SAI’s approval for the appointment. Formerly, HI’s development committee leading member named Pargat Singh put forward a proposal to bring in a foreign coach to do the job. This proposal was basically
rejected by the National hockey body over the fact that it will hold-up the process and the training camp.
HI has not yet confirmed about the decision as Batra said, “We can comment only after SAI gives the appointment letters. But the camps will begin in Delhi from March 15. So you can expect a confirmation before that.” This means that the SAI’s response is
expected as the camps shall begin in Delhi.
Even though, Harendra was not the prime option for the HI committee, but this decision took place over the fact that he had a past record of handling the National team and has the technical understanding of coaching.
This will be after three months that the National Men’s hockey team will be finally getting a coach for their training and preparations.
Apparently, the Women’s hockey team is found to have already been taken over by Kumar from the former Sandeep Somesh, who coached a team with poor performance. Kumar will be assisted by Sumrai Tete and Sanggai Chanu.
Batra said, “We have appointed him till the 2012 Olympics. We believe that continuity is critical if the team has to do well.”
The currently prioritised event to be first considered by Singh as soon as he is empowered on the post is the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. This event is going to begin from May 5 in Ipoh Malaysia.
It will be interesting to see what type of impact Harendra will have on the National side. The Indian team will be looking to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics and put in a tremendous effort at the grand tournament.
Tags: