Dhanraj Pillay: It's high time we have an Indian hockey coach

Former India hockey captain Dhanraj Pillay feels Indian hockey's need of the hour is an Indian coach and believes chief coach Roelant Oltmans' sacking could be a blessing in disguise

Dhanraj Pillay

Former India hockey captain Dhanraj Pillay feels Indian hockey's need of the hour is an Indian coach and believes chief coach Roelant Oltmans' sacking could be a blessing in disguise.

"Undoubtedly, Olmans is a fine coach but he had his fair share of tantrums and maybe the authorities thought enough is enough," Pillay told mid-day. "I don't understand why we as a nation have an infatuation with foreigners. Indian hockey has seen a slew of foreign coaches and none have been able to deliver consistently, so why not give an Indian a shot," he added.

So, any suggestions? "Yes... Jr World Cup-winning coach Harendra Singh is at the top of my mind. Ashok Kumar Bansal is a good option as well. Olympian Baljit Singh Saini is another promising option," said Pillay. And what about himself?

"I would be very happy to help the Indian team in whatever way I can. But since the 2004 Athens Olympics, I have never been given a role for the simple reason that the authorities are insecure and feel that I will take away the limelight from them. But if given a chance, I will deliver results," Pillay signed off.

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