Harendra Singh willing to become chief coach of men’s squad if Kaushik can’t

Indian Navy goalkeeper Kallu Ram tries to prevent Air India’s striker Arjun Halappa from scoring a goal yesterday

Not very long ago, there were huge sighs of relief after KPS Gill and his cronies, running the Indian Hockey Federation with an iron fist for over a decade, were suspended by the Indian Olympic Association. An ad-hock committee was put into place which in turn set up a five member selection panel. The wise men promised to bring about changes that would help

India regain lost glory.

But, developments perpetuated by the ad-hock committee and its selectors in the last few days will only have Gill & Co laughing away with glee!

Or else how do you explain the drama that’s playing out over the appointment of MK Kaushik as the chief coach of the senior men’s side. The Indian Women’s Hockey Federation that currently employs him is crying hoarse over this move. And there are reports that Kaushik will now remain with the women’s side itself. Never mind the fact that he wants to cross over to the men’s side.

Another twist

And here comes another value addition to this entire development! Harendra Singh who was appointed as one of Kaushik’s deputies is willing to fill the latter’s shoes in case Kaushik can’t coach the men. “I am willing to work under Mr Kaushik because he has high credentials. But in case he stays with the women’s team, I am willing to become chief coach of the men’s side,” said Harendra after his team Air India’s 5-0 victory over Indian Navy in the semifinals of the Guru Tegh Bahadur Gold Cup yesterday.

Harendra, the former coach of the Indian junior side added that he has been coaching top teams for quite a while and he is equipped with what it takes to make India a front runner in the near future.

“I am not promising any thing about 2012. I just want to focus on 2010 when we play the World Cup and the Asian Games. I have certain plans in mind that will help us at least reach the World Cup semifinals. As far as Asia is concerned, only South Korea and China are our challengers. I will aim to reach the finals of the Asian Games,” he observed.

Meanwhile, Dhanraj Pillay, one of the five selectors was confident a final decision would be reached in a day or two. But why this impasse in the first place? “We were given to believe that Mr Kaushik was available for the men’s side. That’s why we sent him to Beijing as an observer. But there is clearly some confusion now which will be sorted out in a day or two,” he said.

Pillay also hinted that Harendra was an option for Kaushik’s position, if things fell through. “Harendra has about 10 years coaching experience and also has delivered some good results,” he said.

AI to meet IOC

Meanwhile, Air India will take on Indian Oil Corporation in the final of the Guru Tegh Bahadur tournament this evening. Indian Oil beat Punjab National Bank 3-1, after the latter had taken an early lead. On the other hand Shivendra Singh scored a brace in Air India’s victory.