Former India goalkeeper and captain Helen Mary yesterday said that she quit the game because of coach MK Kaushik.

Coach MK Kaushik deserves severe punishment: Helen Mary

Former India goalkeeper and captain Helen Mary yesterday said that she quit the game because of coach MK Kaushik.

"It is because of Kaushik that I quit the Indian hockey team," said Mary, whose performance under the bar earned India a gold medal in 2003 inaugural Afro-Asian Games in Hyderabad.

According to Helen, M K Kaushik and team manager Anurita Saini were too close for comfort. At times the players even felt quite embarrassed looking at the them. "It was this objection that lead to me being sidelined for the next tournament. Whoever spoke was sidelined. I even complained to the federation about the behaviour of the coach, but no action was taken," Helen told MiD DAY.

When asked why the girls were quiet for so long, Helen replied, "These are hockey players. They come from various backgrounds. No one had the guts speak against the coach."

However, another former player, who did not wish to be named explained, "Most girls are from Orissa, Punjab and the north east. Some run their families through whatever little they get from the sport. Speaking against the coach would mean losing the only support. And only such girls were targeted."

Helen is not satisfied with Kaushik's resignation. "He should have been punished long ago. The federation should punish him severely, so that whoever takes over as coach will only concentrate on trophies and medals," a furious Helen said even as she clarified that Kaushik never flirted with her or passed any lewd comment.

"He knew the kind of person I was. I would have given it back to him," said Helen, who currently plays for Central Railway and is willing to serve the country in any capacity, as coach or player.

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