Efforts on to revive National championship

Wednesday, 15 July 2009

NEW DELHI: Hockey India is committed to reviving the National hockey championship at the earliest.

According to Hockey India president A.K. Mattoo, efforts were on to organize the National championship for men and women before the World Cup next March.

“It is a commitment. We have to revive the National championship for many reasons. It has traditionally given us an indication of the pool of players available and there can not be a better stage to test your talent than a national championship,” said Mr. Mattoo on Monday.

Want of funds

The

National championship had been done away with by the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) for, among other reasons, want of funds.

There have been appeals from many former greats to revive the National championship and Hockey India has responded to their request.

“For some time now the selectors have relied on information gathered through word of mouth,” Mr. Mattoo said.

“A National championship would certainly allow them to assess the talent and take decisions on their own than go by what others feed them,” Mr. Mattoo observed.

Elaborating on Hockey India’s aim to put the game’s administration on a sound footing, Mr. Mattoo said: “We will find the best solution and hand over the responsibility for smooth running of hockey. We are all well-wishers of the game and let me assure you that we have the potential to figure among the best teams in the world.”

Praise for Brasa

Mr. Mattoo, who is also the Treasurer of the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, praised the National coach Jose Brasa for having instilled a sense of confidence among the players in a short time.

“I am very impressed by his training methods. The players are very happy with his tactical preparations. They interact with him a lot and that to me is a good sign.”

‘On track’

The team left on Sunday for a month-long tour to Europe which Mr. Mattoo believes would go a long way in shaping the team for the season ahead.

“The team is concentrating on the World Cup next year. We are committed to providing them the best of facilities. I think we are on the right track.”