Nov 12: The newly-appointed Technical advisor of the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) Ric Charlesworth thinks that Indian hockey has a long and tough road ahead and especially when it comes to repossess it’s golden past era.
Ric Charlesworth, the legendary player said that Indian hockey would have to work in much harder way to reach and enjoy the status it once had. He clearly stated that his job is to act as a "catalyst" for the overall development of the game in the country.
“The basic fault in the system that so far I got to understand is that India is playing very few international hockey matches in a calendar year,” Australian legendary player said.
“They must play big teams very regularly and the quantum of international matches should be doubled. It should be increased to 30 and 35 from 15 to 17,” he further added.
Australian legend Charlesworth has been appointed under the FIH-promoted project 'Promotion Indian Hockey’, Charlesworth highlighted that his role in Indian hockey would be different and should not be related with the short-term goals. He is not here for the country's Olympic qualifiers. It will be one of the parts of the long wide-ranging programme.
Charlesworth shared his views while addressing the media persons on Saturday. He outlined his visualisation for Indian hockey at the conclusion of the FIH Executive Board meeting here in the capital.
Replying on how he would get both the men’s and women’s hockey federations to work collectively, Charlesworth said he is not here to resolve disputes if any. “I am here on the invitation of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and my contract is with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Indian Hockey Confederation (IHC),” he specifically stated.
“I am here to observe things, learn the weaknesses and suggest remedies,” Charlesworth said.
“It is up to the Indian Hockey Federation and Indian Women’s Hockey Federation that how they would implement the suggested measures.”
The Australian was a high performance consultant with the New Zealand Cricket before taking up this assignment and said he would be back in December. Charlesworth said he would give one year to himself at the start and later will see how his presence made the difference.
“But I am here on a long term basis as FIH is keen on promoting Indian hockey, not only for the monetary attention but because Indians play exhilarating hockey,” he said.
Revealing his plans about the Indian hockey team, Charlesworth said he would not be going to coach the National teams directly. He will be glad if the coaches seek contributions from his side, “They are welcome, but my scope is to look at the global picture with a view to India.”
He also warned Indian hockey team about the Olympic qualifiers scheduled next year, “Qualification for Olympics is a major concern as it is going to be very tough,” he said.
“The foremost on the agenda would be to chalk out a plan for the Indian teams ahead of the Olympic qualifiers,” he added.
The Australian hockey legend had an extensive chat with former Indian cricket coaches Greg Chappell and John Wright before joining this project, however, he did not disclose his dialogues with them.
“I spoke to many people, including Chappell and Wright about their Indian experience,” said the former Australian skipper, who also captained Western Australia in cricket.
“I know I have to work here as an outsider. The best way is not to be a part of any group and to remain impartial.”
Charlesworth also denied of any stand that he would interfere in the national team coach Joaquim Carvalho’s work process.
“I will only advise if Carvalho wants it. Otherwise, I will have no role to play in coaching,” Charlesworth clarified.
"It is a unique opportunity which will help me look from inside how Indian hockey works. My role is to oversee the development of a thorough long-term strategy for the improvement of Indian hockey. It will cover from senior to grass root level everything.”
Charlesworth said there should be a proper balance between the matches played and coaching camps organised in India.
"It is important to get the balance right. There is an utmost need to build a programme that strikes the balance right between playing matches and holding camps,” he said.
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