Harpreet Kaur Lamba

New Delhi

Sept. 25: David Perez of Spain was on Friday appointed as the new Human Performer manager of the Indian hockey team.

Perez will replace countryman Jesus Garcia Pallares, who quit earlier this month accusing the Sports Authority of India of “high-handedness” and “lack of equipment for training.”

Perez is a noted name in the field of professional training and was the original choice for the post, along with chief coach Jose Manuel Brasa.

The trainer has the distinction of winning two Olympic gold medals — with the Spanish women’s hockey team at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and as trainer of Fernando León (Regatta) in the 1996 Atlanta Games.

Said SAI official Pravir Krishn, “David Perez has been finalised as the new trainer for the Indian hockey team.

“The tickets have been sent to him, and he will arrive here soon. Perez will travel with the senior men’s team to Canada for their tour next month.”

Asked about the terms and conditions of Perez’s appointment, Krishn said it will be similar to that of Pallares.

“He will work in the same capacity as Pallares, and will fill the post left vacant by him. The conditions, salary and the post remain the same,” Krishn, in charge of the national sport till the 2010 Commonwealth Games, said.

Perez’s appointment will come as a huge relief to Brasa, who has been doubling up as a trainer after Pallares’s sudden exit.

The SAI had rushed a Bengaluru-based trainer M.V. Mathai, but the chief coach had insisted on a specialist.

Said Brasa from Pune, “Everyone can give a driving exam, and can get a driver’s licence. But that doesn’t mean you can drive a Ferrari.

“The Indian hockey team is like a Ferrari, and only an expert can handle it.”

Perez is expected to arrive in New Delhi on September 30.