K. ARUMUGAM
In a significant move, the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) has announced the appointment of veteran Indian coach CR Kumar as the Chief Coach of its women’s national team. The former Indian player, recognized as a master of modern hockey coaching, returns to a familiar ground, having previously guided the Malaysian women’s squad for four years from 2002.
Kumar’s credentials are impeccable. He served numerous spells as the coach of the Indian Junior Men’s and women’s teams, acting as a crucial bridge for transitioning young talents to the senior level. Known for unearthing raw potential, he is credited with polishing numerous players who went on to sparkle on the international stage. One of his recent and most notable achievements with the “India Colts” was navigating them to a thrilling victory over The Netherlands in the Quarterfinals of the 2023 Junior World Cup held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
His versatility is a defining trait, having successfully coached both men’s and women’s national teams in both India and Malaysia throughout his illustrious career. While Malaysia has now, once again, sought his proven stewardship to revitalize their women’s program, his journey in India has been marked by a noticeable paradox.
Despite his years of tireless service to the national game, India has, by and large, failed to officially honor his immense contribution. This neglect has meant that Kumar remains one of the most glaring omissions from the list of recipients of the deserving Dronacharya Award, the nation’s highest sporting honor for coaches. It is a source of disappointment for many in the Indian hockey ecosystem that a coach of his caliber, whose wards have achieved international glory, has not received this recognition.
At least, his undeniable merit is not being lost to the global game. The Malaysian Hockey Confederation has grabbed the opportunity to secure his services. Under CR Kumar’s stewardship, Malaysian women’s hockey can now look forward to a new era of strategic growth and performance. With his vast experience and tactical acumen, observers believe the team will no longer be considered underdogs on the continental stage, aiming to bridge the gap with Asia’s powerhouse teams.