JOIN USA top source in HI told PTI that the manner and circumstances under which Harendra had resigned after India lost to Malaysia in the semifinals of Asian Games has not gone down well with some members of the federation.
The source also said that it would be not be a surprise if HI completely overhauls the team management of both the senior men’s as well as women’s team.
“HI secretary general (Narinder Batra) at present is in Malaysia for a meeting of the Asian Hockey Federation. After his return he will be meeting other HI officials on December 11, where all the issue including that of coaches will be taken up,” the source said.
“It is certain that (Jose) Brasa won’t get an extension and Harendra’s chances are also slim after his resignation drama during the Asian Games. Some officials are very angry with Harendra for disclosing his resignation letter to the media. He has also irked them with his statement that he is ready to reconsider his resignation if given full authority of the team,” he said.
“During the meeting the officials will rethink about the whole set up, including a change in the entire support staff,” he added.
Incidentally, the senior men’s hockey team is without a coach after the Asian Games where they won the bronze medal.
National coach Harendra had tendered his resignation immediately after India’s shocking 3-4 semis defeat while chief coach Brasa’s contract has expired.
To add to the saga, four other team officials -- Pradeep Datta (trainer), Shrikant (physio), Clarence Lobo (goalkeeping coach) and SK Naik (team doctor) -- were also reported to have jointly resigned from their respective posts.
The source also said that the women’s team will also have an entire new support staff as interim coach Sandeep Somesh is unlikely to get another stint after Indian eves finished out of the medal bracket in Guangzhou.
“Somesh will surely be replaced because he has, so far, failed to produce any result,” he added.