Successful Indian coach and Moscow Olympic gold medalist M.K. Kaushik welcomed Aussie legend Charlesworth’s induction as Technical Advisor to the Indian Hockey Confederation. “His expertise is multi-faceted, and will certainly improve the system in India”, he said.

When questioned apprehension has been raised by some former players, he shot back in his characteristic style: “They are defensive, they feel theirs (ignorance) will be exposed. I think everyone concerned with our hockey, failure of our system, should welcome Charlie. Those critics should first read his coaching book which is an eye opener for both aspiring and established coaches. Also, it proves what stuff he is made of”.

Kaushik not only came out with words in support of Charlesworth’s entry into the cesspool called Indian hockey, but also gave strong advice to Director General of Sports Authority of India (SAI).

“Yes. The SAI Director General approached me and asked for my comments on Charlesworth. He also wanted my opinion on priority areas. I gave him a positive feedback on the Australian, though he does not need certificate from me or anybody on his worthiness to take up this task. I spelt out four priority areas where his wisdom can be sought and worked out to start with. Honestly speaking, I was asked to give my comments in a short notice, I could not dwell deep into it.”

His priority areas, it is learnt, includes forging synergy between age group teams, improving the SAI Schemes, incorporation of Academies and Sports Centres of States to bring under his area work and others.

Pic shows Charlesworth and the FIH president Els Van Breda Vriesman, whose initiative brought the former to Indian citadel.

Kaushik is presently Dy. Director of Sports with the Haryana Sports Department and supervises many Sports Centres being run by the provincial government. He is much sought after coach, but of late has declined to continue as women’s coach. It is interesting to note here when he was the Women’s coach in the mid 90, his team broke the long, long winning record of ‘Charlie Angels’ in a New Delhi tournament. The result of that match was, believe and behold, India 3 Australia 0.