The ongoing Men's Junior World Cup would be Roget van Gent's last outing with Indian hockey with the Dutchman set to quit due to family commitments. Indian hockey’s strategic coach confirmed the same before India's last league match against South Africa here on Monday.
“It was a tough decision for me but my family needs me because we are going through some difficult times,” he said. Van Gent had been with the Indian side for the past one year, joining the side before the Hockey World League Finals where India won bronze, and one of the key members of the team think-tank..
“It was a short but wonderful journey. From 13th in the world we rose to sixth. We were just like family. I have already started missing the team,” he said while denying any external pressure to quit. “After the end of the Australia tour recently, when I told the senior team players that I am leaving they were shell shocked. They just couldn’t believe,” he said, adding it was an emotional decision for both himself and the players.
Saying a title triumph here would be the perfect send-off gift, van Gent did not rule out returning for shorter stints. “I am not coaching any other side. I have also told Roelant and Hockey India that if they need my services any time I am ready,” he added.
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