Indian Hockey needs stability at coach level: Barry

Chandigarh: Former Australian player Barry Dancer said Indian hockey coaches deserve to be given a long rope for the team to produce good results at the international level.

"The problem with the India's hockey team at the national level is lack of stability in the leadership," Dancer said.

Dancer, 61, who played 48 international matches for his country between 1973 to 1979, said that Indian team had seen ten coaches in the last eight years.

"This (repeatedly changing coaches) is a problem the Indian hockey team is facing," he said, adding that one or two coaches should be given confidence to continue for a longer period.

"Some stability in leadership is what is required. The results of the national team for the past two to three decades are not what hockey want in India," he said.

Dancer, who is coach of 'Jaypee Punjab Warriors' for the Hero Hockey India League scheduled to start from January 25, stressed that for the long term success of the Indian team focus on technology and coaching at academies level is required.

"Focus on physical conditioning, sports science and medicines to prevent players from injuries at the academy level is what is need for the upliftment of Hockey in India," he said.

On being asked whether language comes in as a road block to coach a team in India, Dancer said: "No its not like that...I spend time on pitch with players...had meetings with them...also indulge in one on one interaction."

He rued that India had not developed as much as needed in terms of modern skills and technology in the game.

Sandeep Singh, a prominent drag flicker, who is also part of Punjab's team, said that he had been working overtime on his fitness levels.

"I have been doing intense training on drag flicks and defence in the D," he said adding that he was looking forward to make a comeback in the Indian team by giving his best.

The Jaypee Punjab Warriors will face Delhi Waveriders in the opening match at Mohali near here on January 25.