Gill hints for new coach if India fail to perform in Doha

Jalandhar, Oct 31 (UNI) Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) chief KPS Gill today hinted that appointment of a foreigner coach for the national team might be considered if India's recent run of poor performance continued in the Doha Asian Games in December.

Talking to reporters here today, Mr Gill said the federation was expecting improvement in Indian team's performance in the Doha Asian Games and if this happened there would be no need for considering such an appointment.

''After all IHF is not in a position to afford a foreign coach in normal course. The issue might be considered only if we felt necesary after the Doha Asian Games,'' Mr Gill said.

The IHF chief said more Indian players would be sent to other countries like Holland, Germany and Spain to imporve their performance.

He said that around 15 players had so far been sent for having exposure with foreign teams in different countries.

On steps being taken by IHF and other agencies of the government for improvement of the sport, Mr Gill said infrastructure were bieng upgraded and as many as 14 new astro turf grounds would come up at different places in the country during next one year.

More and more hockey academies were being encouraged in the country for preparing and training budding players, he said.

Mr Gill, however, expressed dissatisfaction over imrpovement in infra structure facilities for the game in Punjab.

He said during the National Games about a decade ago Punjab Government had promised setting up of astro turf grounds in the state but this promise was not kept.

He also expected Punjab sports Director and Hockey Olympian Pargat Singh to ensure his contribution for strengthening hockey infrastructure in the state.

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