Indian hockey is not at anybody's mercy, says Gill

Hyderabad, Jul 11 (UNI) While the speculations about technical advisor to Indian hockey Ric Charlesworth's resignation fail to subside, even though the Australian has himself denied the reports, Sports Minister MS Gill today took a plunge in to the controversy saying the national game is not at the mercy of any individual, whoever he may be.

Gill told mediapersons here at the inauguration of the sixth Asian Men's Junior hockey tournament, ''Things like these do not mean the end of Indian hockey. We are not dependent on any individual and have the potential to shine without Mr Charlesworth's services.'' The Minister said there is no need to make an issue out of Charlesworth's resignation and the country will regain its past glory come what may.

''As it is, I think he was nearing the end of his tenure.

Even if he thought to resign, the committee does not have any problem with it. It will deal with the matter appropriately, correctly and fairly, including his dues,'' he added.

He made a clear statement that no individual comes before the country and the Indian coaches have it in them to relocate Indian hockey on the world map.

''We have the ad-hoc committe to make decisions and I believe they will take into account the views of the best of the players to make their further decisions.

''The committee members are the one's who will sit and decide and then take the appropriate steps. Even if they decide to bring in a new Indian coach, the government is prepared for that,'' Gill stated.

However, Charlesworth had denied the reports of his resignation and said he left India just to vist his ailing mother and will be back in the country on July 26.

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