M.K. Kaushik's appointment as coach of the Indian hockey team has been put on hold after he expressed uncertainty over the job.

By Kartik Chaudhry 

On an objection from the national women's hockey federation, the sports ministry is dragging its feet to formally appoint Kaushik the men's team coach.

Earlier this week, Kaushik was unanimously chosen by the ad-hoc committee running Hockey India. Talking to Mobile ESPN on Saturday night, Kaushik was clearly confused about his appointment, saying he was yet to get a formal nod from the sports ministry.

The chairman of the selection committee, World Cup-winning captain Ajitpal Singh, added to the confusion saying he was not aware that Kaushik had commitments to keep with the women's team. Ajitpal said: "Ad-hoc committee wanted the names of 48 players and a coach and Kaushik was a unanimous choice. We never knew about his commitments with women's hockey. Now, it depends on various factors whether he is appointed or not. I don't know what is happening."

Kaushik admitted his tenure with the women's team was yet to be over. But his priorities were clear. He said: "I would have loved to take that (men's coach) job, but since the women's body has raised an objection, it's quite possible that I have to be with them". Kaushik, who was the coach when Indian men won the Asian Games gold in Bangkok in 1998, added a final decision was expected on Monday.

Ajitpal said: "We definitely proposed Kaushik's name, now it depends on him whether he wants to be coach or not. It also depends on the people he is working for, whether they spare him or not. So, there are still a few ifs and buts."

With Indian hockey, you are never quite sure.