SAI to rope in foreign experts for hockey
With qualifying for July 18: With qualifying for the London Olympics being a top priority for Indian hockey, the sports ministry’s ambitious ‘Operation Excellence London 2012’ (Opex) seems to be heading in the right direction.
After hiring chief coach Michael Nobbs from Australia and support staff, the Sports Authority of India has now approved the proposal to rope in foreign experts, albeit on a need-touse basis. The experts are being brought in with the intention of guiding the players as well as the coaches. The specialists, who will be hired as consultants for a period of 15-20 days, will be finalised by Nobbs.
Apart from a much needed sports psychologist, specialists in drag-flicks, goalkeeping, penalty corners, midfield play, shooting and deep defence will be used on a routine basis.
Speaking about the new concept, S.S Grewal, director of coaching, Hockey India, said, “Take for example, Jugraj Singh, who is the penalty-corner coach. He has been a great drag-flicker and is constantly learning as a coach. Expert guidance will only make him a better coach.“
A sports psychologist is one of the top specialists on Nobbs’ wish list. With Nobbs back home in Australia to process his work permit, the 48 probables, under the guidance of Grewal have been divided into two groups and over the next two weeks, the focus will be on speed endurance, agility and general physical fitness.