Triple Olympian Walsh replaces compatriot Michael Nobbs, who was sacked in July this year after a string of poor performances, including the country's worst ever Olympic performance when they placed 12th at London 2012.

Hockey India secretary general Narinder Batra welcomed Walsh to the team ahead of an important year for hockey, which includes the 2014 Champions Trophy in India, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Men's World Cup, the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games in Incheon.

"Mr Terence will provide the adequate guidance and motivation to the team," Batra said.

"He not only has the experience but also has a vision to develop senior men hockey team as a well knit professional unit."

Terry Walsh led his native Australia to the bronze medal at the Sydney 2000 Olympics


As well as playing on the silver medal winning hockey team at Montreal 1976, Walsh worked as technical director for USA Hockey between 2005 and 2012, after an already successful coaching career in Malaysia and in his home nation, when he led his native team to gold at the 1998 Commonwealth Games, the Champions Trophy in 1999 and the bronze medal at the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

He also worked as head coach of the Dutch hockey team that won silver at Athens 2004.

"The opportunity to head the Indian coaching team is extremely humbling," Walsh said.

"Coaching India must be regarded as the greatest challenge in the hockey world.

"The world's richest history in our sport combined with the great passion of Indian hockey sets an incredible platform for excitement, but also expectations in this country.

"I look forward to working with the players, the coaching staff, Hockey India and the Sports Authority of India in ensuring no stone is left unturned with India's quest to return to the performance pinnacle of world hockey."

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