Irked at the flurry of questions thrown at him only on Richard Charlesworth’s reported, but wrong, resignation, the Sports Minister of India, MS Gill, who is here in Hyderabad to inaugurate the Junior Asia Cup said the following things. Read for yourself to know the depth of knowldege he has on technical matters of hockey.

Why media is all out for him (Richard Charlesworth)?

The amount we pay him is huge, and in the last three months what he has done is now known.

India should learn to stand on its own, not depend on X or Y or K.

We have lot of former great Olympians with us, they can coach the Indian team for the gold

There is one Balbir Singh, his house is full of gold medals. We should make use of him. You are all young, I know things

When he was in Azlan Shah he went to Australia and now when this tournament is going on, he is in Australia. I have to assess him.

We are calling all Olympians here, we will dicuss, and take a decision. Even if India did not win next five years, hockey will remain India’s premier game.

Author’s Note: The Minister should first ascertain whether Ric has resigned or not before coming out with his wisdom. Then he should ask the babus in the ministry why he has not paid his dues.

However, Suresh Kalmadi repeatedly said that he came to know this development only through media, and he will disucss with the Olympians on 17th before taking a decisin on this. This looked very much rationale.

Only one question the minister has to reply is, Balbir Singh he quotes is 84 years old. Then, Indians have been coaching for the last 30 years and brought us to this level of not in the Olympics. Hockey is problem is not KPS Gill, but this mindset– coming out with a strong view without knowing the facts and history.