Rajinder sacked, Baskaran is coach

Assistants keep their jobs, no foreign coach n Four-nation meet in Germany is the first test

The decision of the Indian Hockey Federation IHF had to come. The delay, though, was inexplicable. National chief coach Rajinder Singh Jr8217;s tenure was officially ended today with Olympian Vasudevan Baskaran being appointed in his place till the Doha Asian Games in December. Baskaran has coached the national side before.

IHF secretary K. Jyothikumaran told The Indian Express today that the appointment was finalised at its executives8217; meeting today and that the change was effected at only this top position.

The rest of the coaches 8212; assistant coach Harinder Singh, goalkeeping coach M.R. Negi 8212; stay on. So does physio Ravi Kanakamandala.

Jyothikumaran said that the Indian squad will now go for a four-nation meet in Germany 8220;venue of the World Cup8221; also featuring Spain, the hosts and Argentina from August 15 to 17. 8220;This will be a very good opportunity to prove ourselves,8221; Jyothikumaran said.

The meet will be followed by a camp before the team goes for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in June. 8220;It will be left to the team of coaches to study the situation and adapt accordingly, said the secretary.

The secretary also said that there was no talk of any foreign coach for the Indian squad. 8220;No way. Why should we a talk about any foreign coach? This idea has not been mooted at all,8221; he said.

Meanwhile, former star Dhanraj Pillai welcomed Baskaran8217;s appointment in Kolkata.

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8220;The team had performed well under him in the past, whereas the team under sacked coach Rajinder fared miserably over the last one-and-half years,8221; said Pillai who is in Kolkata for the Beighton Cup, to The Indian Express.

No liabilities in team, says new coach

Chennai: Vasudevan Baskaran said here today that lifting the sagging spirits of players will be his priority and that he will not allow 8220;liabilities8221; in the team. The following are some of his critical comments: 8220;I know being coach of a national senior team is being on a hot seat, but I am ready for the challenge. I have to build the confidence of the players. The boys are playing well in patches. In the Champions Trophy we should have finished on the podium. 8220;We have to look at the accountability of each player and find new ways to bring back the confidence. 8220;I do not plan to make too may changes in the team. I feel that we should have the right blend of seniors and youngsters. At the same time, we should not have too many liabilities in the team.8221; PTI