The Golden Boot

Triumph and Trauma of a Coach
M. K. Kaushik with K. Arumugam

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The Golden Boot				As I was coming out, I encountered Gill's security officer Suresh Sharma. I told him, "Sharmaji, it looks as though I was invited for nothing. Don't play politics with me. If all you want to do is drop the players, why should I assist you in that? I am only for the game of hockey, not for politics. Goodbye." That was my last meeting with Gill. Henceforth, we would only communicate through the press and television.
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joined duty at my Gurgaon office within 2 days of the IHF prize award function. Sports Authority of India (SAI) Executive Director L. Bhatia called me to his office and enquired what went wrong with my relationship with the IHF. There were sporadic reports in the press that I was being relieved of the coaching job.

A week later, Suresh Sharma, the security officer attached with Gill, rang me up. I was asked to meet Gill at his residence. When I reached his place, I found that many officials were already there, discussing the upcoming India-Pakistan test series. The first test was scheduled to be held in Delhi within a fortnight.

I felt that my presence did not enthuse anybody, and that the reception accorded to me was cool. Was I out of place there?

Gill turned to me only later, after a few of the assembled had left. He asked me why I did not give a report on the players' fitness. At this point, I understood Gill's mind. He wanted to drop many players under the pretext of my advice, that is, due to lack of fitness. I managed that awkward situation by saying, "I will help you out, sir."

After that, I sat for about five minutes waiting to be informed whether I would continue or not as the chief coach. However, nothing of that sort happened, and I left.

As I was coming out, I encountered Suresh Sharma. I told him, "Sharmaji, it looks as though I was invited for nothing. Don't play politics with me. If all you want to do is drop the players, why should I assist you in that? I am only for the game of hockey, not for politics. Goodbye."

That was my last meeting with Gill. Henceforth, we would only communicate through the press and television.

A fortnight later, it was announced that six senior players were 'rested'. It was a grave injustice, since these players were in peak form and brimming with confidence.

For my part, I read in the newspapers that I was inducted in a coaching panel that never even existed! I was effectively sacked, though it was couched in sugar-coated words that would be the envy of even career diplomats.

When the Pakistan team came to Delhi for the first test, I had to use my sources in the SAI to get an entry pass into the stadium. When I got in, I found all the IHF officials, including secretary Jyothikumaran, were standing on one side. They avoided me, and so did I.

I, who was the chief coach less than a month ago, was reduced to being a spectator in the stands. This was the humiliation I got for doing the right things for India's national game.

This day and this occasion marked my breakup with the IHF.

Kaushik Ignored for the India-Pakistan Series