This is an avoidable embarrassment. Indian coach Mukesh Kumar has been reprimanded for not following the code of conduct. He was supposed to come for press brief within 20 minutes of each match involving his team, the code which he preached than following.
Since he failed to do so often despite requests from official media officer, the Tournament Director issued him a reprimand letter on the last day of Sultan of Johor Cup.
Mukesh Kumar came for press brief first three days, exactly when the team was losing. The moment Indian team started winning — it has gone into his head — and refused to come to media room despite he was reminded, sent message through Liaison Officer attached with the team.
It was nice to see all coaches coming to media room, and interacting with a happy frame of mind. Rana Mujahid of Pakistan, Paul Gaudoin of Australia and Dharmaraj of Malaysia, in particular, were very candid in their discussion. On the other hand, Song Seung Tae, a player from Korea who achieved far more than the likes of Mukeshs on the turf — Olympic Silver and twice Asian Games gold — tried his level best to explain things in English, his effort to communicate was wonderful, and appreciated by many.
Indian players were almost uncontrollable by umpires on the field. It looked like a Namdhari match is under progress in a remote corner of India.
While this is a worrisome aspect that needs to be attended to immediately, what can we say of a triple-Olympian coach who thinks he is above the code of conduct! Instead of setting example, he has faltered in one of his duties at Johor event.
The large contingent of Malaysian journalists were disappointed he did not come for press meet especially when they wanted his view before the crucial Malaysia-India match.
I too joined Malaysia media men in bycotting this gentleman once his behaviour was known to be causal.
The reprimand letter will be part of the report that Tournament Director would submit to the FIH. Already a player suspended, this is totally avoidable one.