The aftermath of India’s disappointing FIH Hockey World Cup has led to chief coach Graham Reid’s resignation as the Australian tactician submitted his resignation letter to Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey just a day after India defeated South Africa and concluded a rather poor World Cup campaign. However Reid had already given hints of him leaving as he spoke about his contract being ‘reviewed’ after the World Cup and so on.
India were simply poor in this tournament that too at home as they finished joint ninth in the tournament following their exit against New Zealand in the crossover match as they lost to the Blacksticks on penalties. Overall it was a very below par tournament for the Indian team as he failed to find goals from open play and were very leaky in defense as well.
Once India got knocked out of the World Cup, there were criticism on the players, staff and mostly the coach. Hence he decided to step down following a pretty decent stint where he guided the Indians to a historic Olympic medal breaking the long lasting jinx in Tokyo. He also helped the team grow in stature and it is under his tutelage they have proven that they can beat the likes of Netherlands, Australia, Germany and Belgium. However the World Cup will be one of the biggest regrets for the Australian tactician but overall his contribution to Indian hockey is simply unforgettable.
The Hockey India President, Dilip Tirkey and General Secretary Bholanath Singh met the players to analyse the steps forward from here. Meanwhile Analytical Coach Greg Clark and Scientific Advisor Mitchell Pemberton have also tendered their resignations on Monday morning and all three of them will be serving notice periods over the next month as Hockey India look for someone to succeed Graham Reid.
Talking about his wonderful stint with the Indian Men’s Hockey team, Reid highlighted the highs as he wished Hockey India and the players all the luck as he moves away from the position. “It is now time for me to step aside and handover the reigns to the next management. It has been an honour and privilege to work with the team and Hockey India and I have enjoyed every moment of this epic journey. I wish the team all the very best.”
Turkey has accepted all three resignation letters and shared that India will always have gratitude towards Reid and his support staff for their relentless efforts and the trophies that have come along. But he understands that now the journey is moving ahead and even the team is looking forward towards a new approach.
“India will always have gratitude towards Graham Reid and his team of support staff who have brought good results to the country, particularly the Olympic Games. As all journeys move to different phases, it is now time for us to move on towards a new approach for our team,” Tirkey concluded.
With the Asian Games set to be held this year and which will also act as a qualifier for the Paris Olympics next year, it is important that Hockey India find a new coach, someone who will uplift the players and play a distinct brand of hockey. However they need to work fast as the schedule is packed with plenty of matches and events.
