Hockey team could get foreign experts

Biswajyoti Brahma

NEW DELHI: Indian hockey team could well have a foreign coach soon. After the departure of Spaniard Jose Brasa post the Asian Games, Hockey India (HI) had decided to rely on Indian coaches including chief coach Harendra Singh.

However, worried over India’s “inconsistent” performance of late, HI has decided to take the help of foreign experts, including coaches, for making a mark internationally.

After a meeting of its executive committee in the Capital on Tuesday, HI decided to rope in foreigners in different capacities. In this regard, it also formed a five-member committee comprising former players Balbir Singh, Pargat Singh, Jagbir Singh, BS Grewal and AB Subbaiah to identify potential candidates for different posts. “The committee will spot candidates with credibility. Different people have different skills. So it will identify whether somebody is interested in coaching or for the role of advisor,” HI secretary Naridner Batra said.

He said that such a step was necessitated in the wake of India’s performance following the Asian Games. He also added that the committee has been given 15 days to identify potential candidates. “The current set up of coaches and support staff will continue till further development,” he added.

Meanwhile, an executive member said that the inconsistency of the team played a big role in HI’s decision to rope in foreign experts. “We have talented players, but what we lack is consistency. We are looking for experts who can help the team improve in this aspect,” the member said. Earlier, HI reviewed the performance of the team in the Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia where the team had finished sixth. They were the joint winner of the event in the last edition.