Read my resignation letter carefully, I resigned only from the Advisor post, not from working in India. Yes, this letter was leaked to put me in poor light.

Everything was done in my absence in India when I was in Australia in July; am really stunned on the development. How can media write quoting ‘unnamed sources’. It is not done anywhere.

I don’t know what is in store for me now. At present am jobless. I took the risk (of coming to India) and I have to face it.

I informed SAI’s Executive Director (Teams) about my going to Australia two months in advance. They lied to media telling I left without informing.

It’s all blatant lie from SAI side to say I was not working in India since December, but only from March when I signed the contract. Their top officials have given me letter to this effect.

I signed the contract in March under pressure that too after KPS Gill agreed to pay the arrears for previous four months.

The previous IHF regime and the SAI worked together to deny me everything including giving one-way ticket to Australia (leading to him stranded there when the Indians were at Chile). SAI officials were not even courteous to me in dealing things, this is surprising, how they can dictate coaching aspects.

These are the words of Ric Charlesworth told this writer in extended discussion on the eve of his departure to Australia.

I was supposed to go to Rotterdam (where Champions Trophy was held in June) with three players, video operator but nothing happened, instead the women team reaches without coach, manager, and video person. This is not acceptable, this is not the way to prepare teams for higher tasks.

Most of his views corroborate what stick2hockey.com has been writing so far on this issue.

His other parting shots

It is a myth skilled players are only in the sub-continent.

India’s resources in terms of players, coaches and umpires far exceed what other countries have. Australia will be happy if they have 50 players to spend full time, while in India this number goes to 100s and 1000s.

Least thing one expect is expecting others to do your job (in reaction to a query whether the FIH supported him in this hour of crisis)

One great thing about Indian hockey is media. This sport will live because of this.

Indian players want more, they are not getting it. The camps should be broader in approach. The players can be taught English, and computer utilities in those camps to improve their profile.

Indian players’ motivation is getting a job, not medals.

Players had to wait from Morning 2 to night 9 in transit. It is injustice to players. How can you then expect them to excel in the Qualifiers?

I love India. It is a fascinating country. A country of incredible contrasts.

India is such a big country your bureaucracy still work manually, not acknowledging electronic communication tools, surprising.

Indian Airlines play against Air India, and two other teams between themselves. This is not just sufficient to take on teams like Holland. Sooner or later somebody in India have to be analytical and understand the importance of having a system to work, prepare teams scientifically, define the role of coaches and paid support staff. It’s coach who will select his support staff, his team, plan for programmes and not somebody else, certainly not the least by bureaucracy.

Lighter vein:
My son has studied in four countries – Italy, New Zealand, Australia and India, and he is just seven year old.

I am carrying back 50 boxes, carried from New Zealand to Australia as well.

Thanks

Chandigarh, a good city, with lot of parks less crowd and wonderful weather. I thank City Sports officials including JPS Siddhu. We will be in touch and Western Australia and Chandigarh Academy will have interaction in the near future.