Players have it in them to do well,says Kaushik

The national championships are generally considered as the perfect platform to tap talented players. Since the Nationals are not a regular feature,how do you select a core group of players?
* Inter-Railway tournament and Open trials have been the basis to spot talented players to form a core group. Based on the performances during these two events,the players were short-listed for the preparatory camp for Commonwealth Asian games.

In the last two Commonwealth Games,Indian women’s team has won a gold and silver. What are your expectations from the present lot of players?
* With players are getting good facilities,I see no reason why we can’t win medal this time. The players have it in them to do well.

Commonwealth Games apart what’s your plan for the year?
* Before the Commonwealth games,the national team will take part in the World Cup at Argentina. Our target is to finish among the top six teams. In the last edition we finished 11th. The Asian Games in November will give us an opportunity to qualify for the Olympics. The top three teams will automatically get a ticket to London.

Will same set of players be part of the squad for the Commonwealth Asian Games?
* After the Commonwealth Games,there can be some changes. But it’s difficult to tell right now.

Competitive hockey is very demanding. Playing day in-and-out on the artificial turf is hard on the players. How do you manage to keep the injuries in check?
* With the help of the support staff,the scenario is better in the national camps. We tell players to rest when they are injured. But before and after the camp the injury management is poor.

We have seen in the past that in case the team fails to perform at big tournaments,the coach gets axed ?
* Before putting the entire blame on the coach,one should take a stock of how much support he got in the build up to the big event. Along with coach of the team,both selection committee and federation should also share the responsibilities of poor performance.

What’s your opinion on appointing foreign hockey experts?
* Firstly,we should appoint coaches on merit. Secondly,it should be productive. In the past huge amount had been spent on coaches salary,but the end results haven’t been encouraging.