Women’s hockey looks for new start

Gagan K. Teja

Tribune News Service

The first day of the Indian women’s hockey camp that began at NIS, Patiala, today, was full of enthusiasm and zeal. After the alleged sex scandal involving coach MK Kaushik and the appointment of new female coaches, the practice session was a refreshing experience for the players. Not only the coaches that are attached to the India camp, even the local coaches are happy about the arrival of this camp at NIS after a long gap of 8 years.

Female coaches Pritam Siwach and Sandeep Kaur are working hard for a new beginning of the game. They said they were honoured to serve the country and would give their best in order to being girls to the top. Talking to The Tribune, Pritam Siwach said she was delighted to be a part of the squad. “I am happy I have got a chance to serve India. I have played with these girls and know them properly. Therefore, it’s a little easy for me to train these girls as I know their strengths and weaknesses,” she added.

On being questioned about the alleged sex scandal that has taken the hockey fraternity by storm, she said she didn’t want to comment on the situation. “I have asked the girls to forget about what has happened and concentrate on the upcoming tournaments. The girls are looking forward to perform well in World Cup, Asian Championship and the Commonwealth Games. I can’t assure you about the World Cup but we will certainly reach the final of the Commonwealth Games. Therefore, I don’t want any kind of distraction for these girls,” she added.