Former India captain Ganesh calls for enquiry
BANGALORE: Former India captain MP Ganesh has called for a probe by a retired judge into the sex scandal that has rocked women’s hockey. Ganesh, who mentored coach MK Kaushik, the man facing allegations of sexual harassment, said there was no point in indulging in verbal volleys without actually making an attempt to find out the truth.
“Kaushik is a man of character, I can vouch for that. He worked under me from the late 80s when I was India’s national coach. He has all the qualities of a good tutor. His passion and dedication for the game is unquestionable. I cannot believe that such allegations can be levelled against him,” Ganesh told TOI.
“Having said that, since one of the players has raised the issue, it is best we have a proper inquiry. I wouldn’t want anyone who is part of the game on the panel. Instead we ought to appoint a retired judge.”
Ganesh, whose association with women’s hockey ended in 2008 when he quit as the treasurer of the IWHF, was instrumental in coaxing Kaushik to return to the women’s hockey fold the same year after he had accepted the job as the men’s coach. Earlier, in 1998, he had persuaded the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) successfully enough to rope in Kaushik for the Bangkok Asian Games, where India won the men’s gold.
Kaushik resigned as the women’s hockey coach on Wednesday, vowing never to come back after one of the players – supported by the rest of the team – sent a signed complaint against him to the national federation. Ganesh also called for restraint among those – including sportspersons – who have begun articulating their views about the controversy. “I request each one of them who have been using the media to air their opinions to first introspect before commenting on Kaushik.”
Dronacharya awardee boxing coach OP Bhardwaj too felt the accusations against Kaushik were nothing but a conspiracy. Bhardwaj, the first Indian boxing coach to be honoured with the award, said he knew Kaushik for years and it was impossible to believe that the celebrated coach would sexually harass girls under him. “I have known him for years and we have even travelled together on various multi-sport international events. The allegations against him cannot be true,” Bhardwaj said.