Hockey coach to go under the scanner today

Uthra G Chaturvedi

Since the day the Indian team returned home after their disappointing Sultan Azlan Shah hockey campaign, speculations about the future of the team management have been rife.

On Tuesday, a 10-member technical and development board of Hockey India will go in a huddle to dissect India’s sixth-place finish at Ipoh.

Sources have confirmed that chief coach Harendra Singh’s head might be on the block, though with limited options to replace him, he may still hang on to the hot seat. “We have been quiet for far too long, hoping things will finally fall into place, but I think it is now time to take urgent action,” a technical committee member confirmed.

A look at what is likely to be in store for the key figures and the scenarios emerging from the “brainstorming session” on Tuesday.

Harendra Singh: A majority of the committee members want him out but Harendra might still survive.

“We were in talks with a well-known coach a few months ago but it was never actively pursued,” a member said. Those in the know say that Paul Lissek was the coach in question but delay in finalizing his name saw the Dutchman slip from Hockey India’s hands.

At present the committee has two options — stick to Harendra or get a local replacement. With the sports ministry keen on Harendra, the coach is likely to remain in the saddle.

Assistant coaches Jugraj Singh, Romeo James and Clarence Lobo: Jugraj is likely to stay on as is the goalkeeing coach Romo James. Lobo may get the boot.

Physical trainer Pradip Dutta: The one most likely to be shown the door. Fitness has been pointed out as the key reason for the team’s reversal. Sources indicate that a foreign trainer is likely to be recruited, either from Australia or Spain.

Physiotherapist Shrikant Iyengar: In the absence of a team doctor on the tour, Iyengar had to double up as the medical man. As he has the players’ support, he is likely to continue.

Pargat Singh: Chairman of the technical committee after he missed out on the president’s post during elections, Pargat has long been at loggerheads with the federation and its working.

He is keen on a foreign coach. Unlikely to get his way, sources claim he is likely to resign from the committee after the meeting.