By IANS
New Delhi : Ending days of speculation, the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) has decided to rope in Australian Ric Charlesworth as the technical advisor of the men’s national hockey team.
Though there is no official confirmation on the matter, but sources in the sports ministry said Charlesworth will be given a one year term.
Against all odds, present coach Joaquim Carvalho is likely to stay as the coach of the team for the next couple of months, according to sources in the sports ministry.
Charlesworth will be the technical advisor for the senior and junior men’s and women’s teams, while Carvalho has been retained as the coach till the invitational tournament in Australia scheduled in April, the sources revealed.
The IHF and sports ministry had several rounds of talks before finalising the matter following the Indian team’s failure to qualify for the Olympics.
“Charlesworth has agreed to the terms and a contract will be signed soon,” the sources said.
IHF President K.P.S. Gill wanted to continue with Carvalho and he has succeeded in retaining the Mumbai-based former India player against opposition from all quarters, including federation office bearers.
Gill had a series of meetings with the ministry officials and former Olympians for the last our days. Charlesworth and IHF officials met the ministry officials Thursday, in talks that lasted till late in the evening.
The IHF, including Charlesworth, remained tight-lipped on the crucial decision that was taken after four days of intense brainstorming sessions.
Charlesworth is likely to be involved in a wide range of projects to improve the standard of the national game.
The Aussie legend will be paid a salary of Rs.600,000 per month – Rs.200,000 more than what the ministry offers to foreign coaches.
Charlesworth will be based in Chandigarh and his work will be monitored for the next six months by a committee comprising former Olympians.