My role with Indian hockey right from the start in December 2007 – when my contract with SAI was discussed in their offices and I commenced work- was to focus on what India needed at the elite level for its teams…this would necessitate a period of discovery and observation and be followed by reporting and recommendations.
The first months were difficult with logistics proving convoluted and mischievous in the IHF. Notwithstanding this I went on with the job; analysed the PHL, attended the women in camp in Lucknow, went to Oman for the women’s training camp studied the men play against Belgium in Chennai and traveled with the men for their camp in Perth. All during this time my family was stranded in Perth awaiting tickets and travel clearance to India. I still had no base, equipment or signed contract by SAI.
Following my exclusion from a return to India for the women’s camp in Lucknow and the Chile Olympic qualifier I was ready to call it off but was persuaded to continue. The turmoil after the defeat in Santiago witnessed by all in March in Delhi led to a contract finally being put in front of me and with the IHF/IWHF agreeing to pay what SAI owed me I signed in the hope that things would improve.
The next month was very demanding with my family arriving to settle in yet also with the realization that the IHF might not fulfill its commitments. I worked with the women in camp in Lucknow and at the Olympic qualifier in Kazan while also experiencing many problems securing a work visa.
The problems in the IHF in April occurred when again I was concerned that change was not on the agenda. I determined to continue and was again hopeful of change under new administration.
Subsequently the IOA took up the challenge when the IHF fell and I had perhaps the most optimistic period with the team in Ipoh at the Azlan Shah tournament. In spite of the problems there regarding support and organization the experience of having access to players was rewarding and not without result. At the beginning of May I met with the new sports minister MS Gill with a view to outlining my vision for the elite programmes prior to going to Ipoh. I handed him a briefing paper to that effect.
I believed at the end of May that I was in a position to report and recommend and that it was time to start building a programme and trying to advance the players and the game. I was asked by the ad hoc committee to coach the National men’s team but believed, as I still do two months later, that this could only be done successfully – like in other major hockey countries – with a range of things in place that have never been in place before in India. It would not make sense and I did not wish to do the job without access to top class support and adequate resources. Contrary to accusations my concern was about the programme structure and freedom to act…not about remuneration, although it should be said that agreed payments were long overdue.
Amongst the things required in a top class programme are:
1. Long term work contracts for all the staff working with the national teams. These staff should be full-time
2. Freedom for the coach to employ staff (including some foreign experts), plan the match programme and lead a transparent selection process…A highly qualified Hindi/English translator for example would be essential in my case as I would wish to learn the language as quickly as possible.
3. Development of sophisticated documentation, video and analysis processes so that all information remains in the hands of the national programme.
4. The resources assured to play 30-40 matches a year and expeditiously purchase equipment that is needed to effectively prepare and play.
5. An independent administrative capacity with the team to ensure the above as the IHF left no such legacy. The programme would be coach led but backed up with an efficient manager to handle off-pitch details.
6. An assured programme base from which to work and freedom to get the team together to prepare properly. Not necessarily always at a SAI camp.
This represents what might be a good check list to use for those who wish to measure change in the preparation of India’s hockey teams, how they are supported and the structure that underpins the sport’s progress in India.
Accordingly, I outlined a range of measures which I believed could be immediately set in place to initiate the programme. Unfortunately, these matters were all passed over and when I again saw the women’s team arrive in Rotterdam without a head coach, manager or video analyst it was clear that there was little will to proceed in my direction. My resignation was then promptly submitted as advisor to Indian hockey.
I have never been one who wished to waste my time with fruitless enterprises and I hoped that perhaps by making it clear that the time for advising was over there may have been some enthusiasm for ensuring that I may have the opportunity to put in place my ideas practically by leading a renewed programme. It was the last chance to catalyse changes this year as most other international teams already have things in place for the rest of the year and most of 2009.
Over the last weeks it has been clear that some (mostly un-named) figures do not see a role for me and clearly as long as SAI controls the resources for the sport without any flexibility it would be difficult for me or any international coach to operate. Therefore, the outcome is not surprising and vindicates my resignation. As an advisor there was nothing more I could do.
I have always been a lover of the skills of the Indian players and owe a great deal to the great players I played against and observed for what they have taught me. I will watch with interest to see if any of my recommendations are implemented for I firmly believe by doing so India can begin to climb the ladder to a top 6 place again one day.
To substantiate my observations I have written more than ten reports with many recommendations. Not all of these have been passed on to SAI or the IHC yet as I will only do so when my salary arrears and invoices are paid. Had these matters been settled in a timely manner then all reports would have been submitted at the time of completion (the first was written in February). It would seem a shame if my advice was not even digested before India embarks on new coaching and management appointments.
I have returned to India to arrange for my belongings to be returned to Australia. I hope that all impending financial matters will be resolved by then. Also, I plan to hold a press conference before I leave. That occasion will afford the best opportunity for anyone who so wishes to question me on my Indian experience. This will probably be held on the 5th of August in New Delhi.
By Richard Charlesworth