Drama in Azlan Shah as Brasa skips press conference

IPOH: There was drama after India’s Azlan Shah Cup opener against China with chief coach Jose Brasa skipping the mandatory post-match press conference because of a Sports Authority of India (SAI) gag order on him.

After India laboured to a 1-1 draw against China, Brasa refused to attend the mandatory press meet and instead assistant coach Clarence Lobo came out for the interaction with the media.

Media officer Satwant Singh said that Brasa had told him that he was prevented from talking to media. The issue has been reported to the tournament director, who would take the final call on the matter, Singh said.

According to tournament regulations, only chief coach should attend the post-match press conference and the organisers were baffled at the turn of events.

The media officer was also surprised that Brasa did not say about this in the managers meeting and other meetings that took place.

It now appears that the SAI officials have given a order to Brasa not to speak to the media. The letter was served to Brasa shortly after he had convened a press conference after the World Cup in New Delhi where he elaborated on his Project India concept.

When contacted, Brasa acknowledged receiving such a letter from SAI.