Indian hockey needs complete overhaul, says Negi

Kolkata: Former India goalkeeper Mir Ranjan Negi on Saturday called for a complete overhaul of hockey administration in India and said he was willing to offer any service for the betterment of the sport.

In the city for a promotional programme, Negi also criticised the Indian chief coach Jose Brasa and alleged him of high-handedness. “Indian hockey needs changes, a complete overhaul in the administration is the need of the hour. Even under Hockey India there are some problems ... I am willing to offer my service if needed,” Negi said blaming the federation for Indian hockey’s downfall. Negi also criticised Spaniard Brasa whose contract has already expired. With India failing to win the Asiad gold in Guangzhou, Negi blamed the chief coach and said he was a failure. “Brasa could not communicate with our boys, he is a complete failure in them. How can you expect a foreign coach to understand your pulse,” Negi said. Negi’s life and struggle inspired the superhit Shah Rukh Khan film “Chak De! India” and he said a coach needs to be a team-man. “Brasa was never a team man. He took decision on his own without consulting his deputy. A coach needs to perform his duty without any ego hassle,” Negi said at the Thakurpukur Cancer Hospital here. PTI