The Indian Hockey Federation categorically stated that Rajinder Singh Junior would continue as the coach of the national team till the World Cup next year.

Rubbishing speculation in a section of the press that Rajinder was on his way out, IHF president KPS Gill said there is no move at all to remove the coach.

"It [the speculation] is nonsense. Rajinder Singh will continue till World Cup 2006," he said.

Reports in the media had said the IHF was keen to rope in either former international Jagbir Singh or national junior coach Harendra Singh in place of Rajinder, who was appointed five months ago, just before the Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia in April.

Harendra Singh, when contacted, denied being sounded out by the IHF for the coach's post.

"I don't know from where the rumour started. No offer has been made to me and I understand Rajinder has been appointed till the World Cup," he said.

"I have been associated with coaching for the last eight years. Coaching is a passion for me and I have a good equation with most of the players. So it does not matter to me if I am coaching the juniors or seniors."

Asked whether he would accept the coach's job if an offer was made, he said, "Coaching the national team is of course a matter of honour and great pleasure. I always accept any challenge."

The Indian team's performance has gone from bad to worse in recent times, the abysmal performance in the eight-nation Rabo Trophy in Holland, where they finished seventh, capping the slide.

• Complete hockey coverage