New Delhi: The process to appoint Michael Nobbs's successor is in the fast lane, with Hockey India (HI) and Sports Authority of India (SAI) expected to name the new coach of the senior men's team in a week's time. And media reports suggest the frontrunner for the job is another Aussie - double Olympian and former Australia coach Terry Walsh.
"We have received six applications for the foreign coach's post. After going through all the applicants' CVs, we have shortlisted four individuals," HI secretary general Narinder Batra had told PTI a week back. But it seems significant progress has been made since then, with Walsh being zeroed in on.
According to The Asian Age, HI's high performance and development committee members are in favour of Walsh's name out of those shortlisted. "We have zeroed in on one name and the recommendation has been sent to the Sports Authority of India," a committee member told the newspaper. "Terry Walsh is a renowned name in world hockey and his credentials speak for themselves. He is a cut above the rest."
Walsh was a member of the Olympic silver-medal winning Australian team in 1976 and later coached the national team, leading them to a bronze medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Later, he went on to coach the Netherlands and helped them win a silver medal at the 2004 Games in Athens.
The new coach is expected to be given a contract until the 2016 Rio Games. "The coach will be given a contract till the Rio Olympics. India have to begin preparations for the World Cup and a four-year programme is the need of the hour," the committee member was quoted by The Asian Age.
HI's High Performance Director Roelant Oltmans, who filled as coach during the Asia Cup where India finished second, was given the responsibilty to find a new overseas coach since Nobbs left citing health reasons, and he is said to have played a key role in shortlisting the candidates.
HI is now reportedly awaiting clearance from SAI as they decide and pay the salaries of all foreign coaches.
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