Coach rejects need for a psychologist

Mumbai, Sept. 7: The Indian hockey team’s perennial problem of conceding late goals has raised concerns about nerves but men’s coach Harendra Singh on Friday rejected the idea of getting a psychologist on board, saying the word has a “negative vibe” to it.

The men’s team fetched a rather disappointing bronze at the recently-concluded Asian Games after losing in a shoot-out to Malaysia in the semifinals. India eventually defeated Pakistan for the bronze in the play-off.

The setback didn’t just cost the team a shot at a second successive gold but also direct qualification to the 2020 Olympics.

Asked if side needed help to deal with pressure situations with professional help, coach was dismissive.

“Why do you need psychologists?” he asked.

If gaining confidence is the aim, then you can even consult a commoner and take motivation from him. The word psychologist itself carries a negative vibe and the players feel that they are doing something wrong for which they need to consult a psychologist,” he said.

“I don’t know that word. In any team the biggest psychologist is the coach and you yourself. If I’ll not motivate myself then no one in the world can motivate (me),” said Harendra.

He said it is the coach’s job to ensure that the players’ emotional needs are understood and addressed.

“...rather than going and getting the help from a psychologist, who has no clue about the team and sports, no clue about how the players behave,” he explained.

— PTI