Rajinder criticises Nobbs for discouraging players

“He should avoid making such kind of statements. Sports Ministry should also take serious note of his comment. I know that it’s difficult to qualify for the London Olympics given the tough qualification round but a coach should refrain from making irresponsible statements,” he said.

Nobbs,who in his first assignment coached India to gold medal in the inaugural Asian Champions Trophy in China,had said that India had a long way to go and their chances of qualifying for the London Games were very remote.

India,who boasts of eight Olympic gold medals,missed the 2008 Beijing Games cut for the first time in 80 years.

“I know it’s very tough to qualify for the London Games but one should never lose hope. He should encourage players and not discourage them. What kind of message is he sending to the players that coach does not believe in their abilities?” he asked.