Indian hockey does not need a foreign Coach: Ganesh

Bangalore, May 13 (UNI) Former Olympian M P Ganesh said the Indian hockey Team does not need a foreign Coach and the best in the country should be selected for the post.

Talking to UNI here today, he said in the present circumstances there was no need of a foreign Coach even if it was felt necessary.

''A foreign Coach can be brought for a particular job for a short period,'' he added.

Mr Ganesh said the foreign coach cannot understand the background and socio economic problems of our players and until a person knows about the background of the players he cannot bring out the best. We should not permit foreign Coaches to handle our players, he added.

Stating that the practice of 'stop gap' coach should be given up, he said, however, the selection of a national coach has to be made in proper way. Government guidelines were very clear on appointment of a coach for Indian Hockey team, he said.

Declining to comment on selection of present or past coaches, he said, ''you have to find out a coach professionally qualified, preferably a former player or a non-player or both.

''My emphasis was that choose the best person in the country and allow him to function, dont interfere with his selection, plan and programme''. he said.

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