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India can't afford to let Terry Walsh go

Walsh is an honest man and an honest coach. One has no reason to believe that his concerns aren't honest. We know about the administrative issues that ail hockey (and most things) in India; we know about the interference in selection issues; we all know about the petty politics in the team

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Indian hockey never ceases to amaze. Only a few weeks after the feel-good factor returned, the national sport found itself embroiled in another controversy.

The latest issue — things may get sorted for all you know — just goes on to show how troubled Indian hockey is. After trying out five foreign coaches in 10 years, the team finally seemed to have found a leader with a plan. A plan that wasn't about the 2014 Asian Games or, for that matter, the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. It was about 2024.

Terry Walsh is in it for the long haul. Often, he stresses on the processes, and not the results. Thus, even when the entire country rode on the emotional high of India's Asiad triumph, Walsh cautioned everyone. With this kind of form, he said, the team would be lucky to finish in the top eight at the 2016 Olympics.

Walsh is an honest man and an honest coach. One has no reason to believe that his concerns aren't honest. We know about the administrative issues that ail hockey (and most things) in India; we know about the interference in selection issues; we all know about the petty politics in the team. Going by Walsh's statement, it seems the Aussie wants to either get rid of it all, or leave the scene.

The first scenario will mean he will have absolute power in matters relating to the team. Is that too much to ask? Many a coach has come and gone, leaving the job with unfulfilled promises and disappointing results. They, too, blamed the system. Why can't we change the system for a man who is thinking for the long-term good of Indian hockey? Payment issues, if any, can always be addressed.

If Walsh leaves, then he will become yet another coach to have left after a year in charge. Another man will replace him, and the problems will remain.

Let's think of the players, too. After several rounds of musical chairs, they found a genuine leader in Walsh. If nothing, they seemed happy. The least the authorities can do is address the issues and get Walsh to stay on.

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