Terry Walsh: “We need to be legitimately realistic about the outcome”

Tazeen Qureshy

Australian Olympian Terrence Walsh, coach of the national hockey team, is on focus nowadays, as he inherits coaching job from his countryman Michael Nobbs. Quick to settle here in India, Walsh is all over the places, now its the turn of Bhubaneswar for his tour. He came to the city to negotiate his way, and become the coach of the recently launched sixth team of Hockey India league, Odisha Lancers. He took time and spoke about his new role as Indian coach, and then touches upon the newer taks, the Odisha Lancers, all briefly at the airport.

The excerpts:

On being appointed as the coach of the national team

“I see this as an exciting opportunity to train the young talents of the country. I am sure the phase would be an interesting one for me. My most important task would be to ensure that the team is consistent in their performance. Implementation is the biggest challenge. Everyone has a great idea but all that matters is proper implementation of those great ideas.

On the packed 2014 calendar (World Hockey League Finals, World Cup, Commonwealth Games, Asiad etc)
We need to be legitimately realistic about the outcome. 2014 is an important year in terms of the tournaments we will be playing. I wish to see a climbing performance of my team in the season. My aim would be to create some format for the boys. We have critical tournaments like the World Hockey League, Champions trophy and of course the World Cup. Then, there are not-so-critical yet important tours like Azlan Shah in Malaysia which will help us reach a proper standard.

Impression of India’s performance at the recently concluded Asian Champion’s Trophy, Japan.

From whatever I have seen, I gather three impressions. First, the players have a better tactical awareness and have done a good job. Second, their physiological pace is definitely better and third the young players are doing a prominent job in the team.

On too many young players in the senior team

See, the most important thing is self-belief. Undoubtedly, the youngsters have good skills and they are comfortable on the field. So, if they have the ability to play the game then why not?

On his stint with the 6th team of HIL, Odisha Lancers

It’s an unbelievably different experience where a government enterprise has taken up a team. This is the first attempt from the government’s side and I am really happy to be a part of it.