Interview with Indian Chief Coach Mr J.M.Brassa

Flying Over Seas from Spain to India with a mission which has so many problem areas which has to be addressed is not a simple Job. But he is full of confidence , he is enthusiastic, more over he has his own vision to tackle problems to get success in his mission. He is none other than Mr J.M.Brassa who has taken charge as Chief Coach of Indian Hockey Team. His mission is to bring back the lost glory of Indian Hockey as far as International Competitions are concern. During FIH Mens Junior World Cup At Singapore Our Journalist Mr Kulwant Singh Sohal interviewed him to know his plans.

Q- Since you have taken charge of Indian Hockey Team as Chief Coach, What you say about Future of Indian Hockey as far as International level is concern.

Ans It is well known fact that PAST tells about PRESENT and PRESENT tells about FUTURE. The PAST of Indian Hockey is Glorious, and that is the reason that despite of debacle of Indian Hockey still in PRESENT it is alive. And in PRESENT period we have to take some tough decision to have better future of Indian Hockey for which I am optimistic .

Q- What type of tough decisions you will take?

Ans- We have to take decision in different segment of the game. First is to develop Infrastructure of International Standard that includes more Hockey Pitches at different centres. In India I have come across that Total Hockey Pitches are not more than 20 but as compare to this in Holland there are more than 350 pitches. So I have taken the issue with ts Sports Minister Mr M.S.Gill who assured me the same. Apart from this we have to take tough decision regarding players who are not upto international standard . We have to look for more young players.

Q- Are you satisfied with the selection process of Hockey India?

Ans - To be  very frank It is not my subject but at same time I feel that Coach should have a say in selecting players. I strongly feel that immaterial  of region player belongs to , deserving player should get a place in Team.

Q- Since You are in International Hockey from last 25 Years, and during this period you must have observed that Punjabi Players dominated Indian Hockey and Won Major International Events . But in today line up no Punjabi player. Do you smell something wrong in it?

Ans- As I said that deserving Players should get a chance and I will make sure of it. 

Q- How you see the performance of Junior Team in Singapore Junior World cup,?

Ans- I am quite disappointed to see the Players performances in Junior World Cup. By seeing this dismal show I strongly feel that at grass root level lot has to be done. Secondly I feel that there should be definite method to decide the age group of the player.