Harendra, who has been named as the coach of the Chandigarh team in the upcoming multi-city franchise-based tournament, feels that the need of the hour for erstwhile champions India is to form a strong domestic set up if they desire to regain their past glory.

'WSH is going to change the scenario of India hockey. It's impact on Indian hockey will be immense. It is going to promote Indian hockey in a big way.  The general public is very excited about the tournament,' he told <I>PTI<P> in an interview.

'But unfortunately, some people don't want it to be a success. WSH is a local tournament, so I don't know from where FIH comes in the picture. The FIH doesn't have any authority to dictate terms on a domestic league,' Harendra said.

The FIH and HI have threatened sanctions on players participating in the WSH, a joint initiative of Nimbus Sport and the rival Indian Hockey Federation.

The HI went a step further and said if any Indian player skips the national camp and takes part in the unsanctioned event, he will not be considered for selection in the national team for next year's Olympic qualifiers at home.