Jude Sebastian Felix ready to take charge of Indian hockey team
Jude Sebastian Felix, the former skipper of the Indian hockey team, who left the country a decade ago in search of better future, has expressed his interests for taking charge of the national hockey team. He is one of the few farmer players who want
to coach the Indian team.
He made his debut back in 1983 and led the national side in the 1994 World Cup held in Australia. After his retirement, Felix moved to Singapore and was inducted as a player-c*m trainer at the Singapore Recreation Club (SRC) back in 1995. Under his
training, the SRC won Johor Bahru League for the first time.
Speaking to the media, the former captain said that he had not received any proposal from anywhere. He, however, stated that he would consider such proposals if he receives an offer to coach the Indian team. He was of the opinion that the coach is
everything for him and Hockey India expectedly will pay enough for the post of coach.
He stated, “I am working here for almost 15 years now and getting good salary. I certainly want to coach the Indian team but to do that, I have to look at several aspects. I mean, after all, coaching is now my profession and I have to look it that
way.” However, he clarified that the final decision would be taken until he gets a proposal from Hockey India.
In some circles, it has been vastly believed that renowned Dutch trainer, namely Roelant Oltmans, has a great chance to be picked up for this post. It is also pertinent to mention here that Felix might be appointed as an assistant to the Dutch trainer.
In reply to a question that the foreign trainer is the only solution of coaching crises in the country, the former skipper was of the view that Hockey India must induct well reputed and experienced person for this post. Furthermore, he also expressed
that Oltmans will be a good choice. He showed his willingness to work with Dutch trainer and said that it would be quite interesting to work for the Indian team under a great coach.
In the meantime, Pargat Singh, the head of the five-member committee constituted to pick up the trainer for the Indian squad ahead of major tournaments, was of the opinion that they were in contact with two to three top coaches. He further stated that
an Indian coach will also be inducted to assist the foreign trainer.
Commenting about the Jude, Pargat stated that he had played hockey with the former captain and the situation would improve under his guidance. The final name would be announced in few weeks as to who would coach the national side of Indian Hockey.
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