A deputy superintendent of police handling VIP security at Jalandhar, Pargat was in Mumbai as coach of the Punjab Police team, which lifted the Bombay Gold Cup. In an interview to The Indian Express, he spoke straight from the heart, refusing to hedge on issues. Excerpts:

Q: What is the FIH Advisory Board discussing at present?

A: Our aim is to make hockey more popular. We want more viewership, mainly TV, and more sponsorship. To ensure that, we arelooking to simplify the game so that common people can follow it. Some changes in the penalty corner rules, which often confuse people, are being considered. Another innovation is night hockey. People are too busy at work at day to follow the game.

Q: What about Indian hockey? There seems to be no end to the slump.

A: The problem is, those who don't understand sports are running sports. (When pointed out that the IHF chief was his former boss): Could be. I'm not saying that all administrators are incompetent, either. But overall, administration should improve. 50-60 per cent of the posts should be filled by former players.

Q: Would you like to comment on the constant change in coaches?

A: It is not advisable. The coach should be able to understand his boys, the other teams. He must be given 3-4 years with the team.

Q: So what is your antidote for Indian hockey?

A: We must first believe that hockey will continue to be there even after we are gone. The sport is bigger thanindividuals. Let everybody grow and the game will get richer. Next we must think of developing the game. Grooming youngsters, improving their reflexes through six-a-side tournaments. But the game badly needs heroes. Only then will youngsters flock to take it up.

Q: You were the first to suggest in your articles that India needs small pitches where schoolboys can practise...

A: Yes. I said that because full-sized AstroTurf stadiums are too expensive. Small pitches will give young boys the feel of the turf. Instead, we are making the stadia out-of-bounds for schoolboys. Moreover, the surfaces in Chandigarh, Jalandhar and Delhi are wearing out. Everywhere, the system needs to be overhauled.

Q: Are you likely to play a more active role in Indian hockey?

A: Not immediately. I have my work and family in Jalandhar. When I take up something, I like to get 100 per cent involved in it. You can say that is the bad part of my thinking (smiles).

Q: What about Punjab Police? The team is not asformidable as it used to be in the 80s and early 90s.

A: The players are growing old, additions have been few and far between. I was contemplating playing in the Gold Cup (laughs), as we were short of people. Now we are looking to recruit a few boys.