Within a day of being made coach of Indian hockey team, Maharaj Krishan Kaushik has got embroiled in a controversy. Indian Womens Hockey Federation (IWHF) is alleging that Kaushik has cheated on them as he still is at the helm of affairs of the womens team. But the coach has put the onus on the Indian Olympic Association and the government saying that it is for the authorities to decide. Sanjib Guha caught up with the new man in charge of Indian hockey.

Excerpts:

It seems you have got into a muddle after the womens organisation saying that you are still their national teams coach…

Its not yet decided. I have committed myself, but then, the authorities will have to finalise whether I am coaching the mens team or the womens.

What is the actual controversy? Could you please elaborate?

There is no controversy at all…Its just the IOA and the government to decide where I can be utilised in a better way but I have no idea when are they going to decide. It solely depends on them.

Do you think India can regain their past glory?

I am always positive that India will regain its past glory. Sincerity, honest approach in selection and team work (joint efforts) will help India reach the pinnacle of success which we used to be even till some years back.

What are the mistakes that cost us the Olympic berth?

In my individual opinion, the efforts were disjointed and we didnt play as a unit. Where we needed to play as a cohesive unit, our approaches were half-hearted. In order to get success, we have to make a team on and off the field. All have to work together and pitch together. No one man can change the entire complexion of the game.

Which are the areas that you think need to be addressed initially?

Perfection against different opponents is a key. In the modern hockey, it is the set piece movements through which Europeans and other top hockey playing nations are playing and winning too. We have to counter them, stop them and score against them using the same method. So for that video analysis, mental preparation, physical fitness and the ground preparations are of utmost importance without which a team can never succeed.

Who will be your key players?

All are key players to me. One who is mentally and physically fit and raring to go will be in my team. If I get to coach them, my team will not depend on any individual but it will be a joint effort. Fitness is one integral part of the sports and I believe that Indians are no less in this department than players from other countries.

What is your roadmap for the upliftment of hockey?

There are several ways where we can improve on. First, there should be enough honesty in regarding the selection of the team. Secondly, players, coach and all related to the process, should be absolutely dedicated to the job given to them. Thirdly, a proper team work and joint efforts, as I said earlier, will help us performing better in the international level. Fourthly, the continuity in training is a must. Last but not the least, perfection level of the team has to be raised and that will result in proper co-ordination and understanding among the team members.

How do you plan to use seniors of the team?

Let us be very fair about this senior and junior issue. There is nothing like seniors and juniors in the team, it is experienced and youth. Such things should not come into being while the selecting a team. The best players will play. Experienced players always have the edge as they know the psychology of the opponents, what to do and when to do. The team should be a mixture of youngsters and experienced ones, thats all I can say as of now.

Do you believe that an Indian coach perform the job like a foreign recruit? What about Ric

Charlesworth who failed in his bid?

I firmly believe that an Indian coach can easily do it. Whats wrong if Indian hockey team is coached by an Indian. Talking about Ric Charlesworth, he is one the best coaches in FIH. In my opinion he is one of the best in the business all over the world. I have all the respect for Ric.

Have you decided on the support staff?

I have told you earlier that I havent been given the job as yet and so I cannot ask for support staff immediately. Its something that the authorities will decide in due course.

Do you think you can perform the job given to you?

Firstly, I dont know what job — whether its the mens or the womens teams. As a player with a little bit of knowledge, as a coach and administrator for hockey in Haryana government, if given a chance I will try to prove myself. I can take any challenge for my country if the infrastructure is right. If the authorities have the faith in me or the country has faith in me, I will give my best to take Indian hockey to another level. I would like to serve my country.

Now people are saying that you can do it. Whats your take on that?

Thanks for having confidence in me. Now we will have to wait for the authorities decision.