The success of a particular coach depends on his dedication, technical knowledge and experience or so feels some people in the profession. Some believe that an international player does not necessarily make a good coach, while some take it the other way.

Says DP Azad, a Dronacharaya awardee in cricket: ``Playing and coaching are two different subjects. It is not necessary that a player of international repute can produce champions by taking up to coaching''.

Azad was himself a good cricketer in his times but never got to play at the international level. Still, he inspired among others, the Haryana Hurrucane - Kapil Dev to become the highest wicket taker (434) in Test matches. Azad substantiated his statement referring to Tendulkar and Kambli. ``Their coach also never played international cricket,'' said Azad.

Former skipper of the Indian women's hockey team - Ajinder Kaur also agreed that international player would not make good coach. ``Since the players have to spend a lot of time on the play field, they are unable to devote time to academics during their sports career, which, however, plays an important part when they choose coaching profession.''

Says Ajinder: ``Without proficiency in academics it is difficult to acquire the latest technical knowledge''.

``Coaching of today is more on scientific lines. A good player, who has poor academic results would face hurdles in imparting coaching to the youngsters,'' said Bhupinder Singh, football coach. He added: ``The player's experience (field) may come in handy initially but in the long run, it would be difficult.''

However, former football international - Harjinder Singh, who has recently joined Chandigarh Sports Department, as a coach, does not agree with his colleagues. ``An outstanding player, who has played at a higher level can do this with his vast experience. He can prepare the teams better than a coach or a trainer, who lacks field knowledge. There are certain tactics, which are not written in books. It only comes through playing experience with the elite group,'' he added.

Inderjeet Singh, a senior gymnastic coach also said that international players can become good coaches. ``Personal demonstration is very useful. And a coach who has played at national and international level can exhibit better than his counterpart, who has no such experience.

However, athletic coach Iqbal Singh opined that it depends on the individual. ``The qualification of a coach is of no value unless he is prepared to make it available. The trainer who can motivate and inspire his trainee can also be successful in coaching whether he has international experience or not''.