Hockey coach is likely to be a ‘local’

By Mihir Vasavda | Place: Mumbai | Agency: DNA

The new Indian hockey team coach is most likely to be a ‘local’ but the final decision will be taken only in the last week of December or in mid-January, a senior Hockey India (HI) official said on Wednesday.

Sources in HI have told DNA that the successor to Spaniard Jose Brasa, whose contract has not been renewed after the Asian Games debacle, is certain to be an Indian as the experiences with three foreigners involved with Indian hockey have not been all that great.

“And if we decide to go ahead with a foreigner, he has to have really good experience. To have a master-tactician will also cost a lot,” the source said.

When contacted, HI secretary-general Narendra Batra said, though slim, there is a possibility of a foreigner becoming the coach, but the final decision on that will be taken by the Sports Authority of India (SAI).

“We haven’t ruled that out. But the decision is with SAI as they have the final say on appointing a foreign coach,” Batra said.
A few Indian Olympians have also applied for the job, who are being considered ‘seriously’. “As of now, we are looking at those options (Indian Olympians). We are exploring various options and are looking for a new coach,” Batra said.

Asked whether Harendra Singh — who resigned as the national coach after the Asiad — is considered for the top job, he said, “Harendra has resigned after the Games. There are a few others who have shown interest in the job. But it won’t be right on my part to disclose any names right now.”

It is learnt that V Bhaskaran and Jude Felix — both with immense knowledge and experience — are in the fray. “The final decision on the coaches for the men and women teams will be taken in last week of December or mid-January,” he informed.