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regular-article-logo Tuesday, 30 April 2024

Hockey: Graham Reid quits after World Cup debacle

It is now time for me to step aside and hand over the reins to the next management, says coach

PTI New Delhi Published 31.01.23, 05:31 AM
Graham Reid.

Graham Reid. File picture

Graham Reid has resigned from his position as the chief coach of the men’s hockey team after India’s unimpressive outing at the World Cup, which concluded in Bhubaneswar on Sunday.

Reid, who was appointed India coach in April 2019, led the team to a historic bronze medal finish at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

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But following the below-par show in the World Cup, the 58-year-old Australian submitted his resignation to Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey, a day after the conclusion of the showpiece event, which was won by Germany after they edged out Belgium in a penalty shootout in the final.

“It is now time for me to step aside and hand over the reins to the next management,” Reid said, announcing his retirement.

Reid’s term was till next year’s Paris Olympics.

“It has been an honour and privilege to work with the team and Hockey India and I have enjoyed every moment of this epic journey. I wish the team all the very best,” he added.

Reid took the decision after Tirkey and secretary general Bholanath Singh met with the players and support staff to discuss the team’s performance and strategy going forward.

Besides Reid, the team’s analytical coach Greg Clark and scientific advisor Mitchell David Pemberton also tendered their resignations on Monday morning.

The trio will be serving a notice period of one month before relinquishing their duties.

Under Reid, India achieved a lot of success, including an Olympic medal after 41 years, a silver in last year’s Birmingham Commonwealth Games and a third-place finish in the FIH Hockey Pro League season in 2021-22.

Tirkey accepted the trio’s resignations and said the country will always remain grateful for their services.

“India will always have gratitude towards Graham Reid and his team of support staff who have brought good results to the country, particularly the Olympic Games,” he said.

“As all journeys move to different phases, it is now time for us to move on towards a new approach for our team.”

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