‘Hurt’ Mukesh to assist Michael Nobbs

M RatnakarM Ratnakar

HYDERABAD: After getting severe flak from all quarters for insulting three-time Olympian Mukesh Kumar, Hockey India has came up with a comprise formula – the appointment of the former India star as assistant coach for the senior team.

Six days since walking out of the Indian camp after he was denied the post of chief coach of junior team, Mukesh gave his nod to work under chief coach Michael Nobbs.

Mukesh arrived in Bangalore on September 22 after he was told to take over the reins of the junior team. But on his arrival he realised that Harendra Singh was named the coach and he had to work under him. Irked by the sudden turn of events Mukesh returned to Hyderabad.

However, on Wednesday, HI secretary-general Narinder Batra called him up and asked him to assist Nobbs. After Mukesh accepted the offer, Batra spoke to Nobbs who readily accepted the proposal.

Mukesh, who would be concentrating on the forward line, said he was very happy with the new job offer. “After all that happened last week this is a welcome relief. I am very happy with the offer and I don’t want to dwell in the past. Whatever happened hurt me a lot and I don’t want to think about it again. My state body (Hockey Andhra Pradesh) was more upset with the treatment meted out to me. In fact they convinced me to take up this job,” Mukesh said.

“During the interview in February, I made it clear that I am open to working as an assistant coach under a foreigner. Working with Nobbs will surely be a great experience and I can learn a lot from him.”