HI orders inquiry into Indian team's disastrous show in London

Stunned by the national team's humiliating bottom-place finish in the London Olympics, Hockey India secretary general Narender Batra, while taking full responsibility, has ordered an internal inquiry into the debacle.

The internal reports of coach Michael Nobbs, the team manager and physiotherapist would be submitted to HI within ten days and HI's response would be known within a month, according to Batra.

Eight-time champions India finished last in the 12-team Olympic hockey competition, suffering an unprecedented washout, after being beaten 2-3 by South Africa in the 11-12th place classification match here today.

Batra was appalled by the team's poor performance.

"Being the head of the family, I take moral responsibility for the debacle. I would like to apologise to the nation on behalf of the entire team," Batra told PTI from London.

"The coaches, manager, physiotherapist all will submit their individual reports to HI within 10 days. We will then analyse the reports internally with our Coaching and Development Committee and come up with our own findings within 30 days," he informed.

"We will also call some former players and take their suggestions before taking any decision. We will take all corrective steps necessary to get things in order."

Asked whether any heads will roll after the dubious campaign, Batra refused to pinpoint a particular individual.

"I won't like to put the blame on any single individual, hockey is a team game and we failed to deliver as a team.