India's hockey team head coach Graham Reid's contract, which runs till the 2024 Paris Olympics, is likely to be reviewed after India faced early elimination from the ongoing Hockey World Cup. The side suffered a major backlash after their loss to New Zealand during the penalty shootout in the crossover match in Bhubaneswar on January 22, with many legends of unhappy with Reid for the team's performance.
While addressing the media during the post-match press conference after India defeated Asian Games champions Japan 8-0 during the 9-16 classification match in Bhubaneswar on Thursday, Reid, who was appointed head coach in 2019, opened up about his future in the current role.
"Look, I have signed the contract through Paris (Olympics). But, you know, we will be reviewing, I assume, at the end of this (World Cup). But the next game is what I am focussing on," Reid answered when asked whether he will commit to the team through to the Asian Games towards the end of the year.
A review after a major tournament is not an unusual practice but what is important is that the Australian did not commit to guiding the side at the Asian Games scheduled to be held in September.
Meanwhile, India plays South Africa on Saturday in the 9th to 12th classification match.
His comments on the future of his role with the national team will be taken after the world cup, Reid confirmed, "After these two classification matches, we have Pro League matches against Germany and Australia and then we have a test series against Australia. But our focus is on the next match," he had said.
Hockey India president and former captain Dilip Tirkey have also not said much when asked if there will be changes in the position of coach or captain. "We will see later. The World Cup is going on and any discussion on that is not appropriate," he had told PTI.
