Aslam Sher Khan appeals for foreign coach

Indian Hockey Federation selection committee member Aslam Sher Khan has advocated the need for a foreign coach to enhance the country's medal prospects at the next Olympics.

"In the present scenario, such a step has become inevitable to successfully compete with European hockey and tackle the five-minute syndrome," he told media persons in Bhopal on Monday.

Elaborating on the syndrome, Khan, who also chairs the IHF's Youth Hockey Development and Infrastructure Committee, said Indian defenders are unable to play an effective role in the crucial last five minutes of the game.

"The contingent still works on the 70-minute strategy rather than focussing on possible emergencies at the tail-end," he added.

Pointing out that India's performance has considerably improved in those disciplines where foreign coaches are engaged, he said such a coach would have a neutral approach in selecting the squad, besides providing international technical know-how to players.

Khan said India has the potential to emerge with flying colours at the next Olympics, but added that the task would be made easier with the assistance of a foreign coach, who would not only train the boys with modern techniques but also help them plug their shortcomings and develop strong points.

The former India full back described the Indian players' capacity for speed and quick passing as "an edge" and said Indian players are competent enough to play their natural Asian game while adapting to the European style.

He also said Indian players should develop the habit of eating continental food so that they can adjust at any international venue.

Regarding the IHF efforts to unearth fresh talent, Khan said the federation would conduct a tournament in Bhopal next January for the Central Zone. The teams in action would be Bhopal, Madhya Bharat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Vidarbha.

He, however, lamented that the condition of the game in Bhopal is in a pathetic state. The election of the Bhopal Hockey Federation, he said, has not taken place for the past eight years, and hastened to add: "We will no longer allow the gradual killing of Bhopal hockey."

He said the hockey fraternity would approach the IHF if the BHF elections are not conducted within a fortnight.