The guiding force

Hockey coach-in-charge Harendra Singh speaks to Sidney Kiran about the Azlan Shah win, and the future

After failing to qualify for the Beijing Olympics, the Indian hockey team is slowly bouncing back with some good recent performances against formidable opponents. After finishing runners-up to European Champions Holland in the Punjab Gold Cup, that also included Olympic Champions Germany, the Indians went on to clinch the prestigious Sultan Azlan Shah tournament after a hiatus of 13 years. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his extension as the coach-in-charge, Harendra Singh, the architect of India’s success is focused on the challenges ahead.

In a chat with Deccan Herald, Harendra reveals his plans for the development of hockey and believes the road to redemption has just begun with a long way away to reach the summit again.

Excerpts:

Your take on India’s successful campaign in Malaysia…

This is one small step in climbing the long ladder of success. After failing to qualify for the Beijing Olympics, Indian hockey needed a morale-booster and winning the Azlan Shah Cup has definitely restored the confidence and self-belief. The victory has also put the smiles back on the faces on Indian hockey lovers. But, at the same time we shouldn’t get overawed as this is just the appetiser before the main course. In the next four years, a lot has to be achieved before we call ourselves an accomplished side.

In the short stint as coach you have achieved good success. What strategy did you follow?

I laid strong emphasis on four important areas — Vision, Planning, Execution and Results. These form the core structure of the pyramid and all tasks will have to be carried out with equal vigour for the desired result.

When I took over the squad that was sunk in tragedy, I needed to restore their self-belief and confidence. Now that has been done, focus now shifts on grooming the squad to produce consistent results.

Your view on the evolvement of this Indian squad over the last one year?

For a team to be successful, it needs to have good blend of youth and experience. The credit goes for the selection committee for picking the right squad.

The energy in the dressing room is amazing and the understanding among the entire camp is superb. The boys are aware that one needs to play a part in each other’s success for better results. Thankfully, all is gluing together pretty well.

What are your goals for the future?
Firstly, I am hopeful of the national squad breaking into the top six at the end of the year. Secondly, the biggest challenge for the squad is winning a gold in the Commonwealth Games, New Delhi and Asian Games, Guangzhou, China — both in 2010. A gold in the Asian Games will clinch us a direct qualifying spot for the 2012 London Olympics that will give us two years to prepare for the tough challenge.

Also, with the World Cup due to be held in India I will do my best to help our side reach the semifinals. Winning at home is something special and incomparable.

Former India coach V Bhaskaran suggested that you be given an extended run till the 2012 Olympics. But, you said that you have no problems in working under coach-designate Spaniard Joseph Brasa.

I thank my mentor Bhaskaran for keeping faith in me. Honestly speaking, I am not a complete coach yet and need to improve a lot. Brasa is one of the best coaches and his services should augur well for Indian hockey. His plans to improve hockey from the grass-root level is brilliant and the team and I can learn a lot from him. Importantly, I am ready to serve Indian hockey in any position.

Veteran Dilip Tirkey recently became the most capped international by playing his 403rd game. A great servant right?

Yes, Tirkey is the ‘Wall of Indian Hockey.’ He is one the greatest servants of the game and I salute him. I feel privileged that he broke the record under my leadership. While his fitness level is unbelievable, the experience and knowledge he brings to the squad is unique.

He presence around the defence is vital in our quest for further glory.

The evolution of Sandeep Singh, as a leader and scorer, has helped the team a great deal, isn’t it?

When I suggested his inclusion into the national squad in 2006 there were quite a few objections raised. But now I feel vindicated seeing his rapid rise. He is an incredibly talented drag-flicker and very intelligent person. He is not just a match winner but a tournament winner. The recent string of good performances is a strong proof of that fact.

Your idea to play in Argentina, Australia as well hosting the Punjab Gold Cup has paid rich dividends. Are there any such plans in the coming months?

A three-week European tour comprising England, Belgium, Spain, Holland and Germany beginning July 19 has been finalised. The tour takes place prior to the European Championships and one expects them to field a full-strength squad. This will be an acid test for all. It will help us to work upon our strategies and game play against the best opponents.

The India under-19 has also done well in the recent past. Do you plan to induct anyone in to the senior side.
We have decided not to disturb the squad until the end of the junior World Cup (from June 7 to 21, Singapore and Malaysia). There after, a list of 48 probables comprising the seniors and juniors will be picked. These players will be rotated frequently to develop strong squad for the senior World Cup and London Olympics.

Finally, what is the immediate step for the squad?

The entire squad will gather in Bhopal on April 19 for a conditioning camp ahead of the May 19-16 Asia Cup in Malaysia.

The recent visit there should help us to in long way.