Walsh is right man to be men's hockey coach: Harendra

Former India hockey coach Harendra Singh today came out in support of current coach Terry Walsh saying the ex-Australia forward was the right choice as the team had improved under him, but cautioned that further progress to medal status would be gradual.
"Terry Walsh has a huge experience. He is a world class coach. He mixes science with modern style of hockey. It has played a big role in bringing the result. He knows how to give space to the players and how they can take the decision. Walsh is the right choice for Indian hockey," Harendra said today.
"We were in 10th position (and) after World Hockey League, we came to 8th. This is a process. Gradually we will come to top four and can also hope for medals.

"But if we aim to get the gold medal or a silver from our 8th position then it will be a bit over-ambitious. India will be in the top 4 in the 2018 World Cup (scheduled in India). It will take some time. We need to be patient," said Harendra.
"Walsh had taken charge one month back and, from 10, he has brought the team to the 8th position (ranking). He has still got one year and there is the Asian Games (in Incheon, South Korea, in September-October). The format has changed for Olympic qualifying and the Indian team is improving," he said.

Harendra expected India to finish in the top six in the upcoming World Cup in The Hague, Netherlands.
"In this World Cup, top 6 will be right place. In the 2016 Olympics (in Rio de Janeiro), top five should be the target," he remarked.