'Use Charlesworth's skill to revive Indian hockey'

Zaman, who led Pakistan in the 1998 World Cup in Utrecht, said India not qualifying for the Beijing Games was not only a setback for the country but also for Asian hockey at large.

"I think it is a great loss to Indian hockey as well as for Asian hockey. It was not really expected keeping in view the recent performances of the Indian team in the last one year," Tahir said in an interview.

"I think blaming anyone is not fair enough, everyone is responsible for this loss to hockey."

Tahir said Aussie great Charlesworth should be used to put Indian hockey back on track.

"Talking about Ric Charlesworth's utilisation in Indian or Asian system, I can say that he is quite an experinced person in world hockey and he knows better how to deal with the situation," he said.

The Olympian said a professional like Charlesworth should have been there with the Indian team during the Chile qualifiers.

"Yes, I believe so. That is the professional requirement in my opinion," he said.

Tahir said bosses in Indian hockey should not waste time and start immediate planning on a long term basis.

"I believe there is no short cut to success in the competitive world nowadays. So long term planning by working on development plan, should be adopted as soon as possible.

"A directorate of coaches for a coach education programme should be adopted. Most of the successful countries in the world are following this methodology of coaching. Besides, so many other linked aspects should be addressed." Asked whether he would be interested to coach the Indian team if an offer came his way, Tahir said, "Well, talking about the offer for coaching depends on (various) circumstances."

Right now, Tahir is concentrating on coaching the Uzbekistan women's team, which will also play in the Olympic qualifiers in its bid to book its berth in the Beijing Games.