The Hindu : Sport / Hockey : ‘They’ve not got their act together’

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‘They’ve not got their act together’

S. Thyagarajan

During the 2006 World Cup, the FIH presented a special plan to upgrade Indian hockey. The joint effort by FIH and IOC to help chalk out a programme to revitalise the image of the eight-time Olympic champion was received with scepticism.

However, the FIH went ahead in attempting to implement a few of its suggestions — including recommending Ric Charlesworth as the coach — with the support of the Indian Hockey Federation under the direction of the seasoned administrator, Bob Davidzon.

After nearly two years doubts persist whether the FIH project has really taken off to the satisfaction of all.

Bob Davidzon, Director, Project India, shares his perception and concern in this e-mail interview:

Excerpts:

Since the launch of Project India at Monchengladbach, how satisfied are you by the response from the Indian side?

I was pleasantly surprised by the responsiveness of many stakeholders during my fact-finding tour in November 2006, which enabled me to identify the fourteen “areas of concern” which after due consideration were acknowledged by the federations.

FIH’s special interest in India’s hockey administration has raised many eyebrows even among some European officials. What’s your take on this?

The importance of Indian hockey is widely recognised including in Europe, and I have not received any comments in this respect.

The project was endorsed by the Executive Committee of the FIH (including the European representatives, that’s what democracy is all about .....).

Everyone agrees that Ric Charlesworth is the best that has happened to Indian hockey. What should be his agenda, since he has to attend to different squads?

There is clear and agreed description of the scope of the job as well as a tentative programme, which is agreed by the federations, SAI and the Ministry of Youth and Sport. The programme is tentative because of results of the national teams (women and men) may change the priorities.

How do you think will Indian hockey benefit from Ric?

If he gets the agreed freedom to act and finds the full cooperation of those concerned — he will make clear what systems, procedures and plans are needed these days at the elite end of hockey both for the short and the long term.

Not only regarding selection, recruitment and training programmes but also regarding scientific support, physical and mental preparation. Should the need arise he may be more directly involved with the National team itself.

How do you assess India’s showing at Santiago?

It was clear at the outset that the matches against Great Britain were going to be crucial. If I compare the opponent analysis in place by countries like Australia, Germany, Spain, Great Britain etc. with what I know that has (not) been done by India to get the maximum insight in Great Britain there is no doubt an area for improvement.

Also the decision to leave one of the best penalty corner specialist in the world at home (because of a clash of personalities) could have had a detrimental effect certainly if you look at the conversion rate in the final. It may also be interesting to analyse the difference in approach and tactics of Great Britain in their pool match and the final.

Do you agree with the reasons given by the chief coach after returning to India? Do you think that the TD and officials were harsh on India?

No, the Code of Conduct is pretty clear.

You have gone on record to say that Carvalho has violated the code of conduct. In what way? Most coaches from India and Pakistan have criticised the umpires and got away without a reprimand from FIH. Why is FIH now af

ter Carvalho?

FIH (not me) is investigating whether Carvalho has violated the Code of Conduct or not. The Code has been updated in January 2008 to safeguard the image of hockey, and has got a higher focus within the FIH at the same time. You’ll find the latest version on the website www.fihockey.org.

Do you think an adverse FIH verdict will force him to sit out during the Aussie tour and Azlan Shah next month?

There is a proper procedure of asking for the views of Carvalho and the IHF underway, and depending on the outcome the Secretary-General of the FIH can take a decision or refer the case to the Judicial Committee of the FIH.

How far have you succeeded in compelling IHF to make the structural changes and implement your suggestions. Are you happy with the complaisance?

It is their choice to implement or not. So far they have not got their act together.

What do you think of India’s future? Can it be back on the rails again?

Yes, but structural changes in the operations and personnel of the federations should urgently take place for there is an enormous amount of work to be done.

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