Sport - Hockey

Frustrated Charlesworth resigns

NEW DELHI: Ric Charlesworth has resigned as the technical advisor of Indian hockey. The Australian coach had sent in his resignation to the authorities, including the Union Sports Ministry, about a fortnight ago.

Confirming the notice given by Charlesworth, a ministry spokesman said on Thursday that there were claims, including financial, mentioned in the Australian’s letter.

The Australian legend had been frustrated with the Indian system ever since he was brought in under an FIH project to boost Indian hockey. However, his main claim, according to sources, pertained to his salary from November last year.

His eventual appointment was regularised only in March this year and he kept complaining about the expenses he had incurred while travelling from Australia, not to mention his remuneration for the period he thought he was employed in India.

An IOA ad hoc panel member, speaking from Hyderabad, said that efforts were made to rope in Charlesworth as the coach of the Indian senior team, but he seemed to be concerned about the financial losses and was unwilling to discuss the senior team’s immediate plans.

“The IOA was willing to compensate Charlesworth for his losses,” he said.

Charlesworth always talked about his long-term plans and goals for Indian hockey and though the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) was reluctant to give him a major role in reviving the game, it was felt that with the arrival of the IOA ad hoc committee, things would change.

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