Coach Nobbs for educating players on doping issues
With the doping menace grabbing all the headlines in the country, India hockey coach Michael Nobbs on Friday stressed the importance of educating the players so as to help curb the problem to a large extent.
“With the media focussing on the doping scandal that has hit athletics hard, I think this is the most opportune time to address the problem,” said Nobbs during a training session at the Sports Authority of India, South Centre here on Friday.
Eight athletes, including some high-profile ones, tested positive for anabolic steroids, leaving the athletics fraternity in complete shock and dismay. Though hockey has had very few issues with dope to battle against, the Australian still felt it was important to educate the players.
“We have 90 athletes in the camp and it is a great opportunity to educate the players on the do’s and don’ts of drugs as well food supplements. Authorities can also pass on the knowledge to coaches and other members of the team as well.
“It is important for national athletes to know the problem of drugs. What they consume is eventually their responsibility. We want the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) to have lectures on drugs for athletes and distribute information kits so that the players have first-hand knowledge,” added the Australian.
Nobbs also said he would not mind players being tested now. “I would want the players to be tested. But I think random rug testing is working fine.”
Camp at MEG
The probables camp will once again shift base to MEG and Centre over the weekend in order to give SAI officials more time to clean the pitch that is slippery in certain areas, said one of the coaches.
The number of probables will be reduced to 48-50 by the end of next week. Hockey India selectors are expected to visit SAI next week where they will conduct selection trials, following which the filtering process will begin. The number will be further reduced to 29-30, which will act as the core group.
