Indian legend Dhanraj Pillay stakes his claim for coaching role
Indian hockey faces an uncertain future following the resignation of national team coach Harendra Singh, while the contract of Spain-born Chief Coach Jose Brasa was not renewed for another term.
The search for the Indian hockey teams’ next coach, whether foreign or local, has not been completed thus far while the proposals for the post are increasing day-by-day.
National team coach Harendra Singh resigned from his post after India lost to Malaysia in the semi-final of the Asian Games. On the other hand the contract of Chief Coach, Jose Brasa was not renewed after severe criticism by skipper Rajpal Singh and former
Olympians.
In a new proposal, legendary former Indian skipper Dhanraj Pillay has said that he is the best candidate for the coaching job, having more than 20 years of experience.
Pillay said that Ric Charlesworth was the best trainer for the Indian hockey squad, and the authorities should have stuck with him if they wanted to improve the level of the national team, and hockey in the country as a whole. He further said that Ric had
done an outstanding job with the Kookaburras, and took them to the top of the world rankings.
Dhanraj stressed that the next coach should be local, and be provided adequate compensation. He said, “We have this mindset that only foreign coaches are good. That’s not true. If we don’t get Charlesworth, then an Indian should be made coach of the national
team. There are many good Indian coaches. Also, the Indian coach should be paid at par with the foreign coaches, which is not done.”
He added that the debacles of the national team earlier in the World Cup, the Commonwealth Games, and the Asian Games should be enough to open the eyes of India’s hockey chiefs. Pillay said that politics within the sport had ruined Indian hockey, and this
should not be repeated again if they wanted to revive their past glory.
Dhanraj Pillay believes silly mistakes cost India the Asian Games semi-final against Malaysia, and the team would have to improve their basics in order to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics.
To a query about Spaniard Jose Brasa, Pillay strongly rejected the idea saying that the contract of Jose Brasa should not be renewed for another term, as the team had deteriorated further under his guidance.
Dhanraj Pillay said, “The problem with us is that nobody wants to work at the grassroots level. If given the responsibility, I will ensure that there is a specialist coach to look at all the departments of the game. Believe me when I tell you that there
are extremely talented players in rural India.”
Regardless of whether the Indian hockey chiefs hire a local or foreign coach, they should take the decision which is in the best interest of the sport.
Tags: