India learning how to win: Khandekar

                               

The assistant manager was in action as coach-cum-player at the Bombay Gold Cup.

ushar Khandekar was part of the coaching team at Raipur when India won an international bronze medal after 33 years at the Hockey World League 2015. He was deputy to Dutchman Roelant Oltmans, in charge of the Indian men’s squad, as assistant coach.

Three years ago at the London Olympics, he played for India under Australian chief coach Michael Nobbs.

Nobbs was replaced after the London Games by Terry Walsh, another Australian, under whom India defeated Pakistan at the Incheon Asian Games 2014 final for a direct entry into men’s hockey at the Rio Games 2016.

Foreign coaches keep changing in the revolving door policy here. Khandekar now has the front seat, as playing member under Nobbs, also as part of the team management under Oltmans, who is coach of Uttar Pradesh Wizards in the Hockey India League. The Indian striker, 30, is one of the domestic players in the Lucknow-based franchise.

The Dutchman’s choice of an active player as deputy is a new development. For the striker, with playing stints under foreign coaches at the Olympics and World Cups, the Hockey World League was a chance to give something back to the game at a time when Indian hockey is gradually climbing upwards.

A Deputy Manager with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Khandekar has been in action as coach-cum-player at the 50th Bombay Gold Cup, guiding his team to its second successive title at the Mahindra Stadium.

Last year, he was named ‘Best Forward’ in the victorious BPCL squad, featuring members of the current national side, and stood out for his opportunism and goalmouth moves.

In a chat with The Hindu, Khandekar, based in Jhansi, opened up on India’s recent international success.

Excerpts:

Do you think the Hockey World League bronze (against the Netherlands) and Incheon Asian Games gold (against Pakistan) will end questions about India’s ability to deliver in must-win situations?

Definitely! Our players are now ready to play in any situation.

With India’s impressive performance under overseas coaches, do you feel the talk about foreign coaches teaching us how to play hockey has stopped now?

I think no one is talking about that nowadays. We are winning and learning how to win. I personally feel there is no harm in learning new things to keep winning.

Can you elaborate on what Oltmans expects from his players?

He expects his players to be intelligent, hard-working, focussed and skilful, besides fitness at that level.

This was the first time that an active player was appointed as assistant coach under Oltmans for the Hockey World League. What was the turning point for you to think about coaching?

I like to share my experiences with the youngsters. I just want to do something for my country and my sport. I wish India rises in world hockey.

Had you completed any coaching course before accepting the offer?

I had not done any course for this assignment.

Were you a paid assistant coach at HWL?

I love doing something for hockey, something for my nation. I don’t think about money.

Besides your involvement, Arjun Halappa (former India forward) is a national selector while still an active player. Do you feel current players should learn coaching before retirement?

I cannot tell you who can be fit as a coach or selector. I feel players on the verge of retirement should give something back to hockey. Coaching is one way of doing it.

The 50th Bombay Gold Cup is a landmark event in Mumbai sport. Can you recall your best Gold Cup tournament and a memorable moment/goal at the BHA Stadium?

Winning the title last year was my best moment (BPCL defeated Indian Oil via penalty strokes in the final) of the Bombay Gold Cup so far. My best goal was converting a penalty stroke against the legendary Ashish Ballal in goal.

Giants of Indian hockey have starred in this tournament. Now the stands remain empty. Can you list ways of making the game more exciting for the fans?

I feel there should be more promotion for hockey in Mumbai.

Field hockey is changing out of necessity to survive as an Olympics sport. What has been the most important change for you?

Hockey has become faster. The biggest change in the game has been its timing.