‘India capable of winning World Cup, Harendra capable coach’
It wouldn’t be out of place to say that Ric Charlesworth has been an explorer and a seeker, who gathered and is still gathering knowledge even though it’s been more than three decades he quit playing competitive hockey. From holding a Bachelors degree in Arts to being a qualified medical practitioner, to having a decent batting average as a first-class cricketer for Western Australia, to being a member of the Australia Parliament for a decade, Ric has strived to excel in every sphere of life. On Saturday, the 66-yearold Charlesworth spoke about India’s over-confidence in the Jakarta Asian Games and why Indian coaches are as good as their foreign counterparts.
Excerpts:
You were associated with Indian hockey in 2008. What are your thoughts about the sport in the country?
The story of Indian hockey is really interesting. They were the pioneers who played the best hockey in the world at one time. In 1970, when Australia started, we couldn’t beat either India or Pakistan. But, I suppose they stopped learning, and when you don’t, you don’t progress. Now I see both their men’s and women’s teams doing well. There is resurgence. Plus, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) wants to see them back at the top, which is good for India as well as world hockey.
Is Harendra Singh the right choice as India coach?
Well the country needs an Indian to be involved in the coaching process. I don’t think a foreign coach could make a difference, it is not important anymore. Harendra is very capable and it all depends upon other people (the support staff) who he has to get the combination right.
NEWDELHI:
Physically and technically, where do you think Indian hockey stands?
I think they are among the best five teams now. They have entered the Champions Trophy finals in the last two editions. The last one against Australia (in Breda, Netherlands), even though they lost the final, they gave Australia a tough fight. The Asian Games (in Jakarta) was an upset. But this is what happens when you become overconfident. But I think, they are capable of regaining their glory days. They can win the World Cup (in Bhubaneswar in November-December).
Your favourite team to win the World Cup?
I suppose, the choice will be among Belgium, Australia and Holland.
Your thoughts on Shane Warne’s latest book. He has called Steve Waugh the most selfish player...
Well, Shane Warne is a very controversial figure (laughs). And I know, Warne was not coach John Buchanan’s favourite player. When Warne was in the Australian team, he was very, very difficult. But he was also surrounded by Steve Waugh, Matt Hayden, Glenn McGrath, Justin Langer and Adam Gilchrist… all the guys who were pretty level headed and managed the team very well. I don’t know the details but I would say that Waugh was a marvellous captain and a very successful player and it (the book) doesn’t change my views (about Waugh).