The crisis in Indian hockey seems to be increasing every day. After the men’s chief coach Terry Walsh, it’s now the turn of women’s chief coach, Neil Hawgood, to put in his papers.
A senior Hockey India official confirmed that Hawgood would not be associated with Indian hockey after 2014.
“It is wrong to say he has resigned. His contract runs out at the end of December this year and he has decided to not renew it. He has been with the team for two-and-half years, and that’s a long time to be away from your family,” said the official.
The federation, however, insisted that, unlike the case of Walsh, there was no acrimony with Hawgood, who took charge in July 2012. Under the Australian’s stewardship, India bagged the bronze at the 2013 Asia Cup and 2014 Incheon Asian Games, a fifth-place finish at this year’s Commonwealth Games, finished runner-up at the Asian Champions Trophy last year and won its maiden medal (bronze) at the junior World Cup.
However, his desire to see the side qualify for the 2014 World Cup did not materialise, though the players’ fitness improved immensely.
“We would have loved him to continue because he has handled the women’s programme very effectively. Honestly, the women’s team is far more difficult to work with and manage than the men’s. But, finally it’s his decision and we have to respect it. We haven’t yet thought of a replacement and have, in fact, asked him to work with us in finding his successor,” the official said.
Tax issues?Asked whether the ongoing tussle with SAI regarding tax issues was a reason for his quitting, the official denied it. “No, it wasn’t. Hawgood isn’t the kind of person who would create a lot of fuss. From what he told us, it was mainly due to family reasons,” the official said.
There are reports that Hawgood is in talks with the Malaysian federation to coach the men’s team, but nothing has been finalised.
The Australian is, however, expected to accompany the women’s squad for the five-Test series against Italy in December, his last assignment with the side. The Indian women’s team is currently training in Bhopal.
