JOIN USDisturbed by the absence of Indians coaching various national sides, the Chief Executive Officer of the Karnataka State Cricket Association said, “Our country has the talent and the immense man-power to excel in anything they do. But drawbacks seem to hinder their approach even before they start. So please don't commit the sin,” Ganesh told students who passed out during SAI’s 32nd diploma course graduation ceremony on Wednesday.
The appointment of foreign coaches to guide Indian sportspersons has come under the scanner several times and Ganesh, a former coach himself, chose the event to voice his opinion.
“We are pioneers in hockey. Our players were hired by foreigners and we taught them how to play. Ironically, now even if they (the foreigners) want to leave, we don't intend leaving them. In my opinion, MK Kaushik (senior women’s chief coach) is better equipped to coach our national side. I am certain he can do a better job than Ric Charlesworth” Ganesh added.
In recognition of SAI’s enormous contribution to Indian sport, the national government has allotted Rs 1800 crore for further development of all sports, revealed Joe Sebastian, the Executive Director of SAI.
“The government has allotted Rs 1800 crore. SAI intends to use these funds to realise the dream of having a stadium in every panchayat in the country, while providing sportspersons with every facility available,”Sebastian said.
In all, 93 students were given certificates for completing diploma courses for this year. MK Raj Mohan, a former Railway athlete, topped in four subjects, while former national women’s hockey player Sumrai Tete took the prize for the best student.
The toppers: MK Raj Mohan (athletics), Sumrai Tete (hockey), Shrishail C Swamy (badminton), Jagadeesha KK (kabaddi), Shiv Kumar (kho-kho), Vikas Choudhari (lawn tennis), Rahul Kathuria (swimming), Paul Joseph (volleyball).