German Mathias Ahrens has been appointed the new chief coach of the Indian women's hockey team.
The team was without a coach since the departure of Neil Hawgood of Australia in November 2014. Hockey India (HI) had appointed Anthony Thornton in January but the New Zealander failed to turn up.
"We appointed Ahrens because Thornton failed to turn up. He had some health issues and underwent a surgery after which he was advised six months of rest, causing the delay in his arrival. However, we could not wait as we have to go ahead with our plans," HI president Narinder Batra told IANS on Wednesday.
HI has organised a press conference on Thursday with the new coach at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here.
The Indian team will take part in the Hockey World League Semi-Finals in Belgium next month for the chance of qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympics.