New Delhi, May 31 (IANS) Hockey India (HI) decided to form a five-member committee to look for a foreign expert for the Indian team.
The decision came after HI reviewed the team’s poor performance in the Azlan Shah Cup and discussed the remedial action required ahead of important tournaments like the Champions Trophy and the Olympic qualifiers at home. India finished sixth in the tournament in Malaysia.
The five member commitee will be chaired by former international Pargat Singh, who is also the head of HI’s coaching and development committee.
The other members of the committee are S.S. Grewal, Balbir Singh, Jagbir Singh and MS Subbiah.
‘The commitee will report back to us with names within 15 days,’ said HI secretary general Narinder Batra.
Asked whether the foreign expert can take over as the coach, Batra said: ‘The role of the expert is still to be decided. We can also hire him as an advisor depending on the requirements of the team.’
Batra said that the present team management, including Harendra Singh, who took over the coaching job from Spaniard Jose Brasa, will continue.
‘There are however some corrective measures in specific areas that need to be taken and we are looking into it.’
Selector Balbir Singh, who was also the manager for the Azlan Shah tournament, has pointed out poor fitness as one of the major reasons behind the team’s showing.
‘The fitness level of our players were not at par with other teams. It made a major difference,’ Balbir said.
Coach Harendra his support staff, selectors, former players and HI officials were present in the meeting.
