Players, coaches must adapt to remain in the sport: Viren Rasquinha

Interview with former captain of the Indian hockey team

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has taken some bold steps and introduced several rule changes to make the sport more exciting and spectator-friendly. Hockey has been crying out loud for some excitement and the sport's governing body believes that rule changes would make a huge difference. Viren Rasquinha, former captain of the Indian hockey team, talks to Aabhas Sharma about how these rules could bring about a change in the sport, the challenges players and coaches would face and what this means for hockey

What do you think is the idea behind FIH's decision to bring about such extensive changes in the hockey rules?

The idea, according to me, is to make hockey a more exciting game from the spectators' point of view. The rule changes will ensure that faster hockey is played, which will hopefully translate into more exciting matches, increase in the number of goals and action around the goalmouth. Instead of two halves of 35 minutes each, we will have four quarters of 15 minutes each, which will increase the intensity of the sport.

Tactically speaking, how will these rule changes impact the sport?

The momentum can shift very quickly when you have four quarters and it can benefit both teams. A team that is in a weaker position can regroup after a quarter and work its tactics. Similarly, the stronger team knows that a different quarter is like a fresh start and it has to maintain its focus. This also gives the coaches an opportunity to change their tactical approach when picking up the right players. The rule of introducing short time-outs (40 seconds) after a penalty corner has been awarded or a goal has been scored also allows players and coaches to change their strategic approach.

How do you think players and coaches will respond to these rule changes?

Coaches of some countries, particularly New Zealand, aren't too happy with FIH's decision.

Frankly speaking, I am not quite in favour of the rules being tampered with frequently. But in this case, I think FIH has made the right call because hockey needs a fresh impetus. Hockey has to become a mass sport and to move in that direction, these rules are a welcome change.

As far as players and coaches are concerned, they have to adapt if they want to remain in the sport. Adaptability is going to be the key. The changes are not so difficult to adapt too. It's not as though rocket science has been introduced in the sport that players and coaches will find it impossible to change. I don't see the players complaining too much about these rules. In fact, the rules ensure that the players remain more focussed. It's like Test cricket, where after every session the batsmen have to start afresh and take new guard. Similarly, hockey players will have to keep their focus through the 60 minutes. As I said, under the new format, the momentum will shift very quickly from one team to the other.

Which particular change in the rules do you think will make a difference to the sport? Do you see it benefiting Indian hockey?

Once again, from the spectators' point of view the two-minute breaks after the first and third quarter will make a difference. Hockey is such a fast sport that one doesn't even get a chance to watch a replay. It will also help coaches and players to analyse the game better. They will have to think on their feet and respond quickly.

Since these rules aren't limited to India, I don't see them making much of a difference to Indian hockey. However, our coaches on the domestic circuit have to ensure that they get up to date with the new rules and regulations. They are still stuck in a time warp. We have to ensure that the new rules are implemented and followed strictly in domestic hockey.