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Brasa closer to becoming coach

Sports Reporter

The clinching factor would be Brasa’s expectations

At present IOA seems content with Brasa’s profile

NEW DELHI: Jose Brasa’s appointment as India’s national hockey coach moved a step closer with the Spaniard impressing upon the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President, Suresh Kalmadi, at a meeting here on Friday.

After meeting the IOA ad hoc panel members on Thursday, Brasa had a long meeting with Mr. Kalmadi — who holds the key to the Spanish coach’s appointment.

“He met Mr. Kalmadi today. The meeting went off very well. He will make a presentation tomorrow,” a member of the ad hoc committee told The Hindu. He added, “after all, it’s up to Mr. Kalmadi and the Steering Committee of the Government to take the final call.”

But the clinching factor would be Brasa’s expectations and the package offered to him. “The terms and conditions are yet to be decided. It has to be made clear what his pay would be and other perks like accommodation, transport and other facilities he wants,” the ad hoc panel member said.
No hasty moves

After the sour experience of dealing with Australian Ric Charlesworth, the IOA does not want to make any hasty moves this time. “Everything should be clear and in writing.”

In his meeting with the ad hoc panel members, it is learnt that Brasa has hit the nail on the head and made the presentation in an intelligent manner.

“When he was asked why he has come to India, he said he has come to meet his friends,” a source said. Brasa, who coached the Spanish women’s team to gold medal in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, won the hearts when he said “the Indian players’ technique was effective on grass as the game was played at a slow pace, allowing players to conserve energy. On synthetic pitches, the players have to have higher fitness levels and stamina to last 70 minutes.”

At present, the IOA seems content with Brasa’s profile and is not thinking about interviewing any other candidate for the job.

Courtesy: The Hindu