Hockey India Needs to Give me a Reason Why I was Fired: Paul Van Ass to NDTV
Just five months after his appointment, Paul Van Ass seems to be on his way out as India hockey coach.
Just hours after the announcement that he is unlikely to remain as India hockey coach, Paul Van Ass is seeking answers regarding his sacking. The national hockey federation, after a meeting on Friday, said the Dutch coach was not responding to any communication and his return remains unlikely.
Talking to NDTV, Van Ass said, "Hockey India needs to give me a reason why I was sacked. I need arguments from Hockey India."
Van Ass also refuted the claim that he hasn't had any communication with them.
"Contrary to what Hockey India says, I have always been in touch with them. I am not in India because I was sacked."
"I am competent and I have medals to prove I am good for India," Van Ass added.
Hockey India president Narendra Batra had told NDTV on Tuesday that Van Ass' behaviour during the World Hockey League semis in Antwerp (Belgium) was unacceptable. India performed poorly in the knockout matches earlier this month and Batra admitted he had an altercation with the Dutch coach who took over in January.
(With inputs from Suprita Das)