Graham Reid resigns as Indian men’s hockey team coach after World Cup exit

New Delhi: Indian men’s hockey team’s head coach Graham Reid resigned from his position after the exit from the FIH Hockey World Cup in Odisha. The former Australian hockey player handed his resignation to Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey, a day after Germany beat Belgium in the penalty shootout to lift the cup. He said that it is time for him to step aside.

Announcing his retirement, Reid said that it was an ‘honour and privilege’ to work with the Indian team and he enjoyed this ‘epic journey’.

As per his contract, Reid was supposed to be India’s coach till Paris Olympics in 2024, but he along with analytical coach Greg Clark and scientific advisor Mitchell David Pemberton resigned early. The head coach and support staff members resigned after Hockey India chief Tirkey and secretary general Bholanath Singh met the players and management to discuss the team’s performance and future course of action.

Graham Reid and the other two will be serving a month of notice period before bidding adieu to the team.

Reid has been a successful coach for the Indian team and the players have brought a lot of glory under him, including the historic bronze medal at Tokyo Olympics. India also won a silver medal at the Birmingham games and a third-place finish in the FIH Hockey Pro League season in 2021-22.

In the 80’s & 90’s people said hockey beats in the heart of all Indians. I can say I have now witnessed it first hand. It’s unique and it’s wonderful. To countless people, thank you for your hard work and sacrifices made over 41 years. Stay with us pls folks. Lots more to do yet! pic.twitter.com/201IHCTlK7

— Graham Reid (@reidgj) August 22, 2021

At the World Cup, India could not manage to enter the quarterfinals after losing the crossover game to New Zealand in a penalty shootout. However, Harmanpreet Singh and his men beat Japan 8-0 and South Africa 5-2 to gain the joint ninth position in the tournament.