Bangalore: Maneyapanda Muthanna Somaya, popularly known MM Somaya, is an Olympian gold medallist. The hockey legend was in the city to witness the K-1000 rally, the fourth round of the Speed Indian National Rally Championship which concluded here as his employer Bharat Petroleum is the sponsor of INRC. After the Moscow gold, he went on to play at Los Angeles and Seoul Olympics.
The hockey star of yesteryears, a triple Olympian, spared a few moments to reflex on the state of affairs in Indian hockey and was candid in his comments.

When asked about the foreign coach issue he said: “The issue is not about whether the coach is a foreigner or Indian. Whoever the coach, he should have a good understanding of modern international hockey, modern strategies and how hockey is played by the top nations in the present day. He should have the capability and acumen to take on the top nations and be good at man management.”

He also felt that any coach of some standing should be given a term of at least four years to set things right and take it on a steady path.

In reply to a question that India is not winning at the international level, he said: “Winning matches at international level is only one aspect of the issue. Better governance of the game, infrastructure, people and processes are all important. First we have to impart good coaching standards at the junior and grassroot level. These are as important as winning matches. We have to have good infrastructure all over the country. The game should be popularised and hockey administration has to improve locally and at national level. Only then the game can improve.” Players in the 14 to 18 age group, should get World class training at sports schools and there should be a much better professional set-up at every level.

About Indian team under Brasa, he said: “I feel the progress of the team has been good. There should not be chopping and changing, and there should be foreign exposure for the team.

“Organising quality tournaments is another aspect that should not be neglected,” the 1980 gold Moscow medallist added. Talking about the present coach Brasa, he felt that the Spainiard had a great influence in boosting the confidence of the players through performance. He said: “two things that impressed me were using Sardara Singh as a sweeper back. And shifting the ball from defence to attack.”

When asked if we were missing someone like Dilip Tirkey, he said: “Dilip is a great player who was there for over 15 years but you have to understand that the present day defenders say Sandeep Singh is more consistent in scoring too. So these additional talents help in modern hockey. We have to see all these qualities.”

To a query whether he would be ready to take up the National coaching assignment, he ruled out the possibility as he is tied up with a full-time job as GM (brands and PR) at Bharat Petroleum.

“If I have to come, I will spend time to study how the game is played internationally at present and prepare a lot,” was his parting shot.