MUMBAI: Hockey India has advertised for two key positions as part of its efforts to ensure the Indian men and women’s teams get the best possible inputs as they prepsre for next year’s Tokyo Olympic Games.
HI has advertised for a ‘Director High Performance’ and an ‘Analytical Coach, India Men National Hockey Team’ on their official website. The last date to receive applications is November 15.
The tenure of contracts for both posts will be till 30 September 2021.
On the prospective candidate’s term of position for both posts, HI has separately declared: “The successful applicant will be engaged by Hockey India / Sports Authority of India on a contract covering the period up to the Tokyo Olympic Games 2021 i.e. 30 September 2021. The contract is extendable up to Olympic Games 2024 subject to performance evaluation in the current tenure, and satisfactory completion of a 6-month probation period.”
The advertisements have been necessitated following the departures of Chris Ciriello (analytical coach of the men’s team) and David John (high performance director), in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. New Indian Express reports that both had cited health concerns as the reasons for their departures earlier this year.
NIE further reports: The challenge for HI to fill these two posts just before the Olympics is big. For starters, their approach to hire the best in the business could be blocked as federations around the world could demand stiff compensation to break contracts. In such a scenario, they might have to target unattached personnel. That’s even before you take into consideration that a few might not want to apply because of the coronavirus situation in India and a potential second wave.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE HI IS LOOKING FOR
Minimum 10 year’s experience at high-performance level, including Olympic Games and World Cup experience – podium performance considered an asset.
• Experience and proven capability in the holistic development of athletes and programmes.
• Demonstrated experience in planning, organising and implementing a comprehensive high performance programme for international teams and athletes.
• Knowledge of leading trends in development and high performance programmes including, coaching science, practices and the appropriate application of leading technology tools.
• A Minimum of FIH Level ‘3’ Coach Certification would be an asset.
• The ability to effectively leverage and manage expertise from staff to ensure team success.
• The ability to attain excellence from players, coaches, staff and all stakeholders through the establishment of a ‘winning’ culture.
• Effective management skills that reflect your ability to build and successfully implement long-term strategic plans that are supported by informed operational decisions.
• Experience of working with multiple partners to achieve success including working with public funding agencies.
