Under attack following a string of failures, India's chief hockey coach Gerhard Rach quit his job.

The German-born Rach, whose future hung in balance following a string of poor performances by the Indian team in various events including the Athens Olympics and the Champions Trophy last year, has taken up a new assignment with the national team of Egypt, the Indian Hockey Federation said on Wednesday.

IHF secretary K Jothikumaran said Rach telephoned IHF president KPS Gill on Tuesday night to inform him about his decision.

"Rach called up Gill last night to tell him about his decision. The IHF wished him all the best in his future endeavour," Jothikumaran said.

Rach became the first foreign coach of the Indian team after he was appointed to the top job just a few days before the Olympics [Images].

He will officially take over as the coach of Egypt on January 25.

Last month, the IHF had indicated that they would relieve Rach of his services when Jothikumaran said the German was only a short-term arrangement.

On the appointment of new coach, Jothikumaran said, "We have enough time to think on this aspect. Mr. Gill and other office-bearers of the IHF will take a decision on this at the appropriate time.

"At the moment we are now fully focused on the National Junior Development Programme, which will be held simultaneously with the Premier Hockey League."

Asked whether the IHF would opt only for a foreign coach, the IHF secretary did not give a direct reply but said, "As our chief has informed already, the IHF will cross the bridge when we come to it."

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