Charlesworth extends contract as Australian hockey coach

MELBOURNE (Australia): Ric Charlesworth has signed a new contract to lead the Australian men’s field hockey team until after the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Charlesworth’s contract was due to expire next year after the London Olympics, where the Australians are favorites to win gold.

Charlesworth, 59, took charge of the men’s team in 2008 and has since helped the Kookaburras retain the world No. 1 ranking, win the past two Champions Trophies, a World Cup and gold at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.