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SAI, HI come down hard on Brasa for recent outburst
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Hockey India (HI) targeted chief coach, Jose Brasa, on Friday for trying to “portray himself as a martyr”.
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Hockey India (HI) targeted chief coach, Jose Brasa, on Friday for trying to “portray himself as a martyr”.
Brasa had earlier claimed that HI was treating him as a slave and that he had no say in team selection. HI secretary, general, Narinder Batra, reacted sharply, saying the Spaniard had failed to deliver as coach.
“He is trying to portray himself as a martyr. His contribution to the team was good at the beginning but since then has become jaded. This is his way of shifting the fault,” he said, and added that though Brasa was correct in claiming that team selection was done by a selection committee, that he was not consulted was a baseless allegation. “He is a signatory to all selections.”
In the minutes of selection committee meetings held before the Europe, Azlan Shah, World Cup and Vancouver tours (copies of which are available with HT), Brasa signature figures along with those of the selectors, national coach, Harendra Singh, as well as the two government observers --- Ajitpal Singh and Zafar Iqbal.
Brasa refused to comment on the matter. “I have been told not to say anything that might hamper the team’s morale before CWG. This includes speaking to you (media). Call me after the Games,” said the agitated coach whose contract ends in November.
SAI has not taken kindly to Brasa’s recent outburst either. Though no official was willing to come on record, the coach’s statements have not come as a surprise.
“There were some payment issues incurred by his friends during the Hockey World Cup. Even at that point, he had threatened to complain to the press. He needs to focus on training the team.,” said an official, but refused to comment on the media gag imposed on Brasa.
