This guy Joaquim Caravalho is unassuming, modest to the core and he does not know how to play politics. So when he finally got the Indian hockey chief coach’s job in March, I felt happy.
Much before the official announcement came from the Indian Hockey Federation that they were going to boot out V.Baskaran and appoint Joaquim, I happened to congratulate Joaquim. His first reaction was: “Thanks Kannan, but till the IHF makes the announcement officially, I am not going to talk to the media about this!”
Joaquim had got his lines right from Day One, he had learnt how to be diplomatic and not brash because dealing with the IHF is one of the most difficult, thankless jobs on earth. As Joaquim prepares his brand new bunch of boys for the semi-final against Malaysia in the Azlan Shah tournament in KL on Friday, it is heartening to read the Mumbai coach’s honest assessment of the situation that the pressure will be intense.
Past Indian coaches, Cedric D’Souza downwards, have promised us the moon and when they returned empty-handed, looked for every possible excuse. It ranged from “biased umpiring” to “bouncy astro-turf pitches.”
So far, Joaquim has not had to look for excuses as the inexperienced squad has done much better than expected. They beat China and then did well to slam in two goals against Argentina, an IRRITANT which needs no detailing.
Watching Joaquim bark orders towards close of play against Argentina (of course on telly) , it was clear the coach was not flummoxed. His swift substitutions to provide thrust to the attack worked. And in the end, the boys came out winners. After the match, there was no rhetoric from Joaquim, he has just asked the boys to be ready for the semi-final against Malaysia.
I would like to rewind to 2005, when Joaquim was nowhere near getting the national coach’s job. He was lobbying, if that be the right word, for the Dronacharya award. Sadly, people he trusted like MP Ganesh at the SAI headquarters let him down.
Joaquim was hurt, he went to the media and vowed he would fight it out. “I have the best credentials, ask Dhanraj (Pillay) who his coach is and he will take my name,” said Joaquim. Not many heard out Joaquim, but just after he got the plum job last month, it was nice of Dhanraj to wish the coach good luck.
The last time at the Azlan Shah, India returned with a bronze. Maybe, this time, they will again return with a medal. And even if they don’t, we should not rile Joaquim and his boys. Without stars like Dilip Tirkey and Gagan, it’s been a decent job till now.
And let us give Joaquim some credit for a good beginning after being shamed at the Doha Asian Games last December. So does he now deserve the Dronacharya?
Joe, one small request, don’t lobby for the award this time. Wouldn’t it be better if the recognition comes naturally?
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1 comment:
Dear Mr Kannan,
Joaquim Carvahlo has the true Mumbai spirit --- live life to the fullest --- imbued in him. He has brough a lot of freshness to the team with his knowledge of the sport and he truly understands the psyche of the players. Thank god for small mercies that the IHF has finally taken one exceptionally laudable and wise decision --- of not hiring a Punjabi trainer. Coaches like Rajinder Singh (Junior), Rajinder Singh (Senior), Harendra Singh (that clown cannot even pronounce penalty properly; pelanty is what he says).
But then Harendra is the darling of 'elite' hockey correspondents in India.
As for V. Baskaran, a non-Punjabi coach, I would say that Harendra proved to be his downfall at Doha.
Your smooth-as-scotch piece is much akin to a hockey wizard weaving intircate patterns in the rival zone and scoring with consummate ease.
Looking forward to reading more such exhilerating blogs from you.
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