Seeks A More Active Role
New Delhi: Ric Charlesworth, Indian hockey’s technical advisor who resigned recently and left suddenly for Australia hours before the junior Asia Cup tournament was to begin, made it clear on Saturday that he is not interested in an advisory role anymore.

He emphasized that he would rather play an active role than prepare reports on the state of Indian hockey . He also clarified that he has not cut his links with Indian hock ey and is returning in two weeks.

“My role as technical advisor in India helped me discover, advise and recommend changes to revive Indian hockey . I do not believe there is much more I can do in an advisory role. These reports are completed. It is time for action. If I am to have a role in India, it will surely not be an advisory one,” Charlesworth told TOI in an e-mail interview.

When asked to comment on the speculation over his future in Indian hockey , he wrote: “I am aware of much speculation about my future in India though I have no detail or official communication from SAI or the IOA and I am unwilling to comment on media speculation. My employers are well aware of my position and what I am doing.

“I am presently in Australia for the Hall of Fame dinner. I reached here on Thursday. I am spending a week with my family and especially with my ailing mother. I also have some long-standing speaking engagements here. I am returning to India in two weeks.”

He added: “On my return to India, I believe there will be an opportunity to determine my future. I will not comment on speculations and I hope my privacy will be respected.”

Charlesworth also said that the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), which is running the sport in the country now, must make long-term plans for reviving the game.

“The IOA has inherited a difficult task and besides the short-term matters that they are managing, they must try to navigate a sustainable long term path for the game,” he said.