Terry Walsh Had Issues, We Have Addressed Them: SAI

Following India hockey coach Terry Walsh's resignation u-turn on Wednesday, Jiji Thomson, the director general of Sports Authority of India cleared the air and said that all the issues have been sorted out. Walsh had announced his resignation on Tuesday citing personal and bureaucratic reason, only to go back on his words and continue to stay on, on Wednesday. (SAI keen to resolve Terry Walsh matter)

"Today, we had a lengthy, free and frank discussion with Mr Terry Walsh. During the discussion, he made it very clear that he has no problems with regard to the tax deduction or remuneration. His major concern was about the lack of functional autonomy in deciding the technical matters relating to hockey," Jiji Thomson said, according to an official press release. (Terry Walsh demands more control, may stay on as India coach)

Walsh had lamented the lack of enough freedom given to him in the decision-making process.  

"He was of the view that he, along with the High Performance Director, need to be given more freedom in the decision making process. From SAI side, we have absolutely no issues on this," Thomson added.

The 'personal' reasons that Walsh had given while announcing his resignation were related to the number of holidays he was entitled to.

"Another issue raised by Mr Walsh was about the number of holidays he is entitled to. Again, this is an issue that could be sorted out and we have expressed our readiness to reconsider the holiday package," Thomson said.

            

Clarifying on the status of Walsh's resignation, which he hadn't withdrawn in spite of his u-turn, Thomson said," Walsh has not withdrawn his resignation. As per the contract, he has to give one month notice for resignation. Since the resignation will officially come into effect from 19th November, 2014, it was decided that the contract will be renewed before 19th November, incorporating these clauses.  

"Walsh expressed his satisfaction and appreciation for the steps taken by the Ministry of Sports & SAI and assured his continued support for Indian Hockey," he added.

Moving on from the strained relationship and looking forward, Thomson said, "We have also requested him to help us in preparing a long-term athlete development plan for hockey. He has readily expressed his willingness to get the best experts available and prepare this plan."

            

Thomson also said that a meeting with Walsh and Hockey India will soon be convened to thrash out the issue.