Money not an issue as Brasa gets IOA green signal

Uthra Ganesan

New Delhi: Spaniard Jose Brasa is all set to become Indian hockey’s new foreign coach. The technical committee of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) ad-hoc body has approved, in principle, the appointment of Brasa as the chief coach with the senior men’s team hoping to improve the game’s fortunes.

Sources have confirmed that Brasa, an International Hockey Federation (FIH) master coach, had given a list of demands during his presentation last week to the technical committee, which has been agreed to.

Brasa had demanded a monthly salary of $12,500, besides accommodation and travel in India for himself and his family. More importantly, he had demanded a minimum three-year contract till the 2012 Olympic Games. “Although the Government policy does not allow a contract for foreign coaches for more than two years, we will seek an exception in this case, since there are many major tournaments lined up from 2010 (including the Commonwealth Games and the World Cup) till the Olympics,” an official said.

If the government agrees, this would be the first time a foreign coach would get a three-year contract. Brasa had met SAI, IOA and ministry officials here during his three-day visit last week, and had impressed with his ideas to develop Indian hockey.

A sports ministry official said that money would not be an issue. “Financially there should be no hurdle. If the candidate is deserving, the ministry is open to spending any amount to bring back glory to hockey. We cannot treat Hockey like any other sport. The sports minister is also keenly following the developments in the game,” he said.

One of the pre-conditions for Brasa accepting the job was the fact that he would be working extensively with the senior men’s team only. The last time a foreigner was appointed — Ric Charlesworth — he was expected to work at all levels of the game as well as develop the game. “Brasa had said that he would like to concentrate only on the senior team to improve their performance and standing in the world,” an official added.

With the technical committee approving of Brasa, the first step has been taken to formalise his appointment. Brasa is expected to get back to the IOA after consulting with his lawyers about the terms and conditions of his contract, after which his appointment, along with his list of demands, will be forwarded to the sports ministry for ratification.