Indian hockey still confused about new coach
The Indian hockey is still confused about the appointment of a new coach. the authorities concerned, including Sports Ministry of India and Hockey India (HI) ,wanted to hire a foreign trainer while former players and Olympians are interested to use the local
talent for this post.
Despite cynic experiences, the Sports Ministry of India is still seeking to appoint a foreign trainer for the Men’s national hockey squad.
Hockey India, the governing body of the sport went up to the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and asked them to recommend foreign coaches for the Indian hockey team. However, the Sports Ministry of India has clarified that only high-qualified coach
would be hired for this post.
Joint Secretary in the Sports Ministry of India, Injeti Srinivas said,
“The past experience with foreign coaches may not have been all that happy, but that cannot be the only reason for rejecting outright the appointment of another. I agree Ric Charlesworth left abruptly, but Jose Brasa completed his contracted tenure. We
are still open to hire a foreign coach, but we can't have one for the sake of it.”
Injeti further said that Hockey India and the Sports Ministry are putting their best efforts for hiring the services of an extra-ordinary coach, who could prepare a best squad for the upcoming mega events. The development committee of Hockey India, headed
by former captain Pargat Singh and Sports Ministry of India are reviewing the proposals being received for the post of the coach of the national team. The duo authorities are also mulling to hire a sports psychologist for the squad, in order to enhance mental
potentiality of the team. Injeti was of the view that they have had to appoint a best person for this post, no matter where he belongs. He further stated that they had plans to appoint a drag-flicking specialist and a goalkeeping coach, in case they fail to
find an experienced international coach.
Another member of the development committee of Hockey India said that they would hire a foreign trainer unless he is best in his profession. Commenting over the appointment of a psychologist for the national squad, the committee member stated that the sports
psychologist is need of the hour, as only eighteen months are left to the 2012 London Olympics and they would have to overcome all the wekk points of the players. On the other side, former players and Olympians are deeply interested in use of local talent
for the post of the coach, citing that foreign trainer could not understand the mindset of the players. A few of former players of the Indian hockey team including Dhanraj Pillay, Harendra Singh, Gerhard Rach, Ranjan Negi, Clarence Lobo and Jude Felix submitted
their proposals in this regard. It is pertinent to mention here that the Indian hockey team has had no trainer from within the country or abroad. The contract of the Chief Coach of the Indian hockey team, Jose Brasa expired last month after the completion
of the 16th Asian Games, where India earned a bronze medal.
The contract of Spaniard, Jose Brasa has not been renewed despite his deep interests to continue the coaching of the Indian team. Meanwhile, Harendra Singh, the national coach tendered his resignation taking the responsibility of India’s failures in the
Asian gala. India failed to attain a direct berth to the 2012 London Games, after losing to Malaysia in a stunning semi-final. The ball is in the court of Hockey India (HI) and the Sports Ministry of India; whether they appoint a foreign trainer or use local
talent for preparing the national team for upcoming mega events.
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