Terry Walsh Resigns as India's Chief Hockey Coach
Terry Walsh, a former Australian legend, took over from Michael Nobbs as India's chief hockey coach. He led India to the Asian Games gold in Incheon recently. The Sports Authority of India (SAI), Walsh's employers, will review his resignation.
Terry Walsh has resigned as India's chief hockey coach. According to an email sent by Hockey India president Narinder Batra, Walsh has tendered his resignation to the Sports Authority of India with whom he is contracted. The Aussie Olympian was having payment disputes with the SAI. Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal told NDTV that SAI will examine the matter and submit a report in the next 24 hours.
In a letter dated October 19, Aussie legend Walsh wrote to Jiji Thomson, Director General Sports Authority of India, saying: "I am finding considerable difficulty adjusting to the decision making style of the sporting bureaucracy in India which I believe, in the long term, is not in the best interests of Indian hockey or its players.
"In addition to my difficulties with not being able to professionally operate within these bureaucratic confines I am not willing to continue with the constant time away from my family in Australia. My current commitment places too much stress on my personal life."
Walsh's contract officially expires on November 19, well ahead of India's next big challenge, the FIH Champions Trophy in Bhubaneswar from December 6-14. Walsh had guided India to the Asian Games gold in Incheon recently. Batra has urged SAI to extend Walsh's contract till Rio Olympics in 2016.