NEW DELHI: The Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) President R. Prasad advised the players selected for the Champions Trophy and Intercontinental Cup to maintain strict discipline on and off the field.

“Indiscipline has been the bane of Indian hockey and the game has suffered a lot because of this and It is high time we call a halt to it.” Mr. Prasad told the members of the national hockey team who called on him here.

The IHF chief also told the players not to challenge the umpire’s decision under any circumstances,” don’t argue with umpires, obey their decision and if you feel something is wrong, then talk to the manager and the coach.”

Prasad said, it was time that the players set a new example, “There is too much indiscipline in the game at all levels for the last two vears T have been trying to eradicate this and have succeeded (0 some extent,”

Mr. Prasad said previously it was said that certain good players were dropped from the side because of political or other pressure to include or exclude any player.

The IHF has issued strict instructions that the selection should be purely on merit, “There can be an error of judgment but fit is motivated then it is unpardonable,” Mr. Prasad said

He said that India was taking part in the Champions Trophy after four years, now is the chance for “us to improve and consolidate our position.”

He called upon the players to go into the field mentally prepared to win, If you have this attitude then half the battle is won.”

The IHF Chief said the players have everything, physique skill stamina and enough of international exposure.” Then why can’t you win, forget the past and start afresh, you have everything and you have the capability to win.”

Mr. Prasad said a good showing in Champions Trophy and Intercontinental Cup will give tremendous boost to the game in the country which is badly needed.

Mr. Prasad said he had received reports that the camp at Bangalore was highly successful and asked the boys that now time has come to bring “laurels for the country.”

The IHF chief said his Federation was doing everything possible to give a boost to the game in the country. But added that “your showing at the international level will have a strong bearing on all our efforts.”

Chief coach M.P Ganesh was confident of teams doing well in the tournament.

Article extracted from this publication >>  June 23, 1989