Harendra throws hat in the ring

Amidst all the confusion over MK Kaushiks future as the Indian mens hockey coach, his assistant Harendra Singh expressed willingness to take up the top job, in case Kaushik stays as the womens team coach.

Harendra has been the coach of the junior national team in the 2005 World Cup in Rotterdam, where Indian missed podium finish by a whisker, finishing fourth.

“I have been in charge of the junior team for quite a while now and I am confident of taking up the challenge of coaching the mens team,” Harendra said, adding, “I have set few targets for the team to achieve by 2010, failing which I shall not continue with the team.”
The 39-year-old said his aim is that the mens team should at least reach the semifinals of the World Cup in 2010, final of the Commonwealth Games and to lift the Asia Cup to ensure 2012 Olympic berth.

“We are hosting these (WC and CWG) so we have to put up a great show. And winning Asia Cup would mean our qualification for 2012 Games would be two years in advance, giving us plenty of time to focus for it,” Harendra asserted.

The fact that Harendra coaches the Air India team in the domestic circuit is an added advantage for him. The team, after it merged with Indian Airlines, comprises of players, all of whom have represented or are representing the country in top level international matches.

However, Harendra maintained that he would not mind working under Kaushik, if he remains the mens coach.

“He (Kaushik) has a big heart and is a perfect candidate for this job now. I am looking forward to work under him,” Harendra said.