World needs Indian hockey

I believe there are always small things that can be added or altered as you strive for improvement. Yes, the styles are very different and with such a short period before the qualifiers in Madrid, any changes for improvement need to be simple and easily implemented.

•Any specific plans and objectives?

The first and most critical objective to be achieved is to qualify for the 2004 Olympics in Athens. This means the team needs to refocus on the objectives of performance. I see my task in the initial period as facilitating this process.

•Your opinion about the Indian team, and the areas where they are lagging behind.

India have always produced outstanding players and continue to be a formidable opponent. Having won the recent junior World Cup there is little doubt that these quality players continue to be developed. Indian hockey always has been, and hopefully will always continue to be, an integral player in the international hockey arena. Personally, I believe that a strong Indian hockey team is essential for the world of hockey in the 21st century.

•Tell us something about your company, Sportstec, which develops coaching aids…

Sportstec is an international company with its headquarters in Sydney, Australia. My role there is in the area of development. The company has many software products which enable simple access to computerised digital data — instigated initially from the sporting environment but which has now flourished into the business world and indeed to any organisation with significant requirements in the area of digital asset management. In the sporting environment, SportsCode, a generic software programme, enables coaches in all disciplines to access video images live during performance and utilise this information to alter strategy if necessary. Utilising the instantaneous access to video images, athletes and coaches are provided with one of the most powerful learning environments available.