The Hindu : Sport / Football : IHF should accept its mistakes: Kaushik

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Tuesday, Jul 20, 2004

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IHF should accept its mistakes: Kaushik

By Our Special Correspondent

MUMBAI, JULY 19. Former national hockey coach M.K. Kaushik today asked the decision-makers in the Indian Hockey Federation to accept responsibility for their mistakes.

Commenting on the IHF decision to remove Rajinder Singh, Kaushik said: "So many people have come and gone. Earlier they removed assistant coaches and retained Rajinder. Now it is his turn to leave. It is time the federation accepted its mistakes."

Kaushik, who was removed as national coach after guiding India to men's hockey gold at 1998 Bangkok Asian Games, does not dispute the IHF's right to appoint/discard coaches or players. He, however, wonders when the decision-makers will be held accountable for their actions. "Nobody is indispensable. If the federation thinks Rajinder's exit will help the Indian team at the Olympics, it is fine. But why the same federation supported him for so long?" asked Kaushik, while talking to The Hindu.

Asked about the effect of Rajinder's removal on the men's Olympics squad, Kaushik felt the players were experienced enough to overcome negative vibes.

"Most of the players in the Indian side are experienced and know how to adjust with the situations. I don't think India's performance will be affected," said Kaushik.

"I am proud to have coached a talented team. But, Rajinder's is different. The side has not been playing to its potential for some time now."

He does not see any problem due to a foreign coach taking charge merely four-weeks prior to the Athens Olympics.

"Any foreign coach will be delighted to get such a talented squad. India is amongst the leading teams in men's hockey."

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