Michael Nobbs' sacking a correct move by Hockey India, says Dilip Tirkey
After Michael Nobbs ouster, the 35-year-old legend has firm faith in the abilities of MK Kaushik as a chief coach.
Hockey legend and a Member of Parliament Dilip Tirkey has said that sacking India men's hockey coach Michael Nobbs is a right move and the combination of Roelant Oltmans and MK Kaushik will do wonders for Indian hockey.
Nobbs was shown the door after India finished 6th in the recently concluded eight-nation World Hockey League. During the London Olympics in 2012, the India team finished last in the 12-team event.
The Australian was appointed as head coach in June 2011 and his contract was till the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Just 48 hours after his sacking, former India coach MK Kaushik was appointed to assist High Performance Director Roelant Oltmans in the Asia Cup in Malaysia next month.
Oltmans has been promoted as the chief coach for the upcoming eight-nation Asia Cup from August 24 to September 1. Kaushik has coached both men's and women's teams in the past before retiring as Deputy Director of Sports, Government of Haryana.
"I think the removal of Nobbs is a right step on the part of Hockey India. It is also fine to give High Performance Director Roelant Oltmans the additional charge as the chief coach. He did a good job as the coach of the Dutch and Pakistan teams," Dilip Tirkey told The New Indian Express.
Under Kaushik's coaching, the India men's team won its last major international tournament, a gold in the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok. An Arjuna awardee in 1998, Kaushik also guided the Indian eves to a bronze medal at the Doha Asian Games in 2006.
"MK Kaushik is also a capable coach. I believe, in the present situation the combination of Oltmans and Kaushik can do a good job for India," Tirkey added.
The Rajya Sabha Member also says the pressure will be on out-of-form India but the team can prepare well as there is still a month's time for the tournament.
"India will be under tremendous pressure due to poor form. But the players and the coaches should take it as a challenge and try to win the title. There is still one month's time in hand and we can prepare well. I feel India can win the Asia Cup and qualify for the 2014 World Cup," said Tirkey, who has represented India in 412 matches.