Hyderabad, July 11: : Union Sports Minister M S Gill appeared to have decided to move over from Ric Charlesworths resignation episode, when he said in Hyderabad on Friday that individuals do not matter to the national sport irrespective of who they are.
Gill said too much hue and cry has made about the 51-year-old Australian’s resignation and Indian hockey can regain its past glory without his services.
“Nothing is the end of the world for India hockey. Indians depend on themselves and not on any individuals. Indian hockey can shine without his services,” Gill told reporters after inaugurating the sixth Asian Mens Junior Hockey tournament at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad.
“I think his tenure was coming to an end next month. If he has chosen to resign, the committee will go with it. They will deal with it appropriately, correctly and fairly, including his pending,” he added.
He asserted that individuals hardly matter and an Indian coach can very well fit the bill to help in reviving the national game.
“As for the future, the (ad-hoc) committee will take good decisions after taking into account the views of the best of the players. The committee members are the one’s who will sit and decide and then take the appropriate steps. If they seek for a new Indian coach, the government is open to the idea.
“Don’t think that only foreigners need to come and teach us. I don’t think so. We have Balbir Singh, who has won so many gold medals, to fill the spot. Individuals do not matter, no matter who they are. The idea that we will collapse without him is absurd.”
The Sports Minister also expressed his reservations on the huge amount of money that was being offered to Charlesworth.
“Frankly, the amount of money we have spent on him is very high but I do not know how much return we have got. From now onwards we should try and check out on that aspect,” he said.
Meanwhile, Indian Olympic Association President and Chairman of the ad-hoc committee, Suresh Kalmadi said that he would discuss the Charlesworth issue with the International Hockey Federation (FIH) President Els van Breda Vriesman on her visit in Hyderabad during the Junior Asia Cup.
“The FIH President is coming to Hyderabad on July 17 and 18. We will have discussion with her and see how to move ahead. Let me discuss with her and let me find out,” he said.
Kalmadi also pointed out that there are enough capable people in the country to bring back life to the game.
“There are good coaches in Indian hockey. I have called a meeting of all former players and coaches on July 17 and 18 in Hyderabad. We will have discussion on how to revive Indian hockey.”
Asked about the reported pending dues of Charlesworth, Kalmadi said everything will be paid to him. “That is not an issue.”
Courtesy; Indian Express