Hockey coach Harendra leads on different turf amid coronavirus outbreak

 Former India hockey coach Harendra Singh finds himself on a different turf in country's battle to contain COVID-19 pandemic -- supervising arrangements for Indian evacuees from coronavirus-struck nations as Air India's General Manr. former India player from Bihar is drawing from his immense coaching experience at Indira Gandhi International Airport's Terminal 3 here to oversee smooth transit of people being rescued by government.

"I am stationed here from first flight that evacuated Indians from Wuhan, epicenter of coronavirus. It is my duty and I am privileged to have been given this opportunity by Air India manment," Harendra, who is Air India's GM (Commercial) told PTI."It is a very big challenge for me and being leer, I h to set example for team, groom and motivate m. I would like to congratulate all those from Air India who are associated with this mission."

He said his team has been working round clock and at times 72 hours at a stretch."I am thankful to my family for supporting me in all my endeavours. y have never stopped me."Harendra, who guided India to 2016 Junior World Cup title in Luckw, said his '3C principles' of communication, commitment, and coordination, which he employed as a hockey coach, have played a key role in his work so far at airport."In this mission too, I just followed my 3C formula. It is same formula which I employed during Junior World Cup," he said.

"When you have got an opportunity to serve country, you can't take a step back. Life threat is re but I am enjoying every bit of this challenge," said Harendra, who is often seen running from terminal to tarmac wearing a decontamination suit."Thousands of doctors, policemen, emergency service workers are working round clock putting ir life at risk, so I can't be an exception."It's a big opportunity for me to serve nation on a different platform but we also have to ensure that we take all necessary precautions," he ded.

Harendra said being in charge on ground, his job is to ensure smooth and hassle-free transfer of passengers after y land here. He said conducting operations at airport was a completely different ball game but his hockey experience is definitely coming handy in his current assignment."Both experiences are challenging but are completely different. But I must mit my experience as a hockey coach is definitely giving me an edge," Harendra signed off. PTI SSC PDS PM PM