Sport - Hockey

Charlesworth willing to return

NEW DELHI: Ric Charlesworth made it clear on Friday that he would be willing to continue his job in India provided he was given an active role instead of an advisory one. He said he would be returning to India after two weeks.

“My role as Technical Advisor in India entailed me making discovery, advising and recommendations to Indian hockey. I do not believe there is much more I can do in an advisory role. These reports have been completed. It is time for action in India and if I am to have a future role, it will not be in an advisory one,” Charlesworth said in a communication to The Hindu.

Having submitted his resignation about a fortnight back, Charlesworth had left India on Thursday, leading to speculation that he was disgusted and frustrated with the Indian hockey administration and was no longer interested in any role. The Australian, rated highly as a coach in international hockey circles, said the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had to make long-term plans for the game’s development.

“The IOA have inherited a difficult task and, besides the short-term matters that they are managing, must try to navigate a sustainable long-term path for the game. Unfortunately, the previous management of the game did not leave it in a healthy state,” he said.

Charlesworth said he had to attend Hockey Australia’s inaugural ‘Hall of Fame’ dinner.

On Thursday, the IOA ad hoc committee and the Union Sports Ministry confirmed that the Australian coach had put in his papers as technical advisor.

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