Ric Charlesworth has seen hockey evolve within the final six a long time. From a participant to a legendary coach, the 70-year-old has been there finished all of it with a number of groups and is now at present an assistant to one in all his personal wards. The Australian is helping Alyson Annan in teaching the Chinese language ladies’s hockey group.
At present, Charlesworth is in India as a commentator for Star Sports activities, the official broadcaster of the World Cup. In an interview, Charlesworth, who had a stint in India in guiding the group round 2008-09, mentioned the continued World Cup, the altering scene in modern-day hockey, India’s success on the Olympics amongst different subjects. Excerpts:
From Bhubaneswar 2018 to Odisha 2023, what variations are you seeing in play, within the groups?
It’s nonetheless a little bit bit early to inform. Australia continues to be a little bit bit rusty. They have not had sufficient competitors (as a consequence of Covid). We noticed the worth of competitors as a result of although Argentina gained solely one in all their eight Professional League video games, they’re fairly hardened and organised. All groups look related. There was once a giant distinction between Asian groups and Europeans and Australia. It appears to me we now have globalisation in hockey. Curiously India is beginning to enhance their perception and play their means. They’ve launched numerous the issues that have been wanted by way of defending higher. They nonetheless have very skillful gamers and in the event that they belief in the way in which they play then they’ll problem anyone.
What was your response when India gained the bronze at Tokyo?
I wasn’t shocked. I at all times thought it was attainable. Within the bronze medal match they’d a little bit of fortune however they saved scoring targets. If you are able to do which you could win any time. Within the semi-final they have been very aggressive. After I was in India in 2008 working with the federation, I had stated it’s a 10-year mission if you wish to be on the rostrum. Most of the parts that have been put in place over that time frame had a variety of various coaches. You began with Jose Brasa, Michael Nobbs, Terry Walsh. India made steps. The Hockey India League was crucial. It was just like the IPL. They began to understand worldwide gamers solely have two arms and two legs and nothing particular. That perception grew over the last decade.
How are you wanting on the World Cup?
There are six groups that may win right here. Germany, Belgium, Holland, Australia, England and India. The quarter-finals will reveal the place we’re at.
What do you consider this crossover format? Would you like direct quarter-finals?
It’s higher and extra inclusive. It provides you a high 12 quite than a high 8. Typically anyone can have an aberration, slip up in pool matches. I’m not essentially a fan of quarter-finals which I really feel are created for upsets. I definitely wish to see change in these essential one-off matches the place we should always play additional time after which go to a shootout.
You’ve labored with India chief coach Graham Reid. What do you consider his stint with India?
He was my assistant for six years so I do know him very properly. We performed collectively and I used to be a referee when he was an applicant for a job in India. He has finished an excellent job. Greater than something the Covid interval was very tough. He is been persistent and also you’re seeing the rewards of that. A little bit of stability in teaching is one thing India hasn’t had. He is aware of what’s required and he is performed and coached groups which might be profitable at this stage.
Are India closing the hole to one of the best on this planet?
I noticed India play Belgium in Europe final yr and there was nothing (between them). It’s nearly like India have had a factor with Australia greater than anyone else. I coached Australia that gained 8-0 within the New Delhi Commonwealth Video games. However in the event you watch that sport, it was 0-0 after 20 minutes and really aggressive. What we noticed in Australia was India scored targets however Australia have been scoring too many. Right here with a crowd, if India can get a begin they are going to be onerous to cease. Typically variations usually are not as nice as scores point out.