Harpreet Kaur Lamba
New Delhi
Sept. 11: The sudden departure of Indian hockey’s Human Performance analyst Jesus Garcia Pallares has left a heavy load on Jose Brasa’s shoulders. With hardly six months to go for the World Cup in New Delhi, the chief coach is in a fix.
To begin with, lack of technical support has hampered the national team’s preparations big time, and now Brasa has an added responsibility of finding a new physical trainer.
Brasa told this paper from Pune, “Jesus should not have resigned. The problem is that young people are always in a hurry, and want to get everything in seconds. Now we have to work a lot to fill the gap that Jesus has left.”
The 27-year old Pallares, a gold medallist with Spain’s kayaking team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, quit due to lack of equipment despite several promises by the authorities.
“There are innumerous problems here,” said Brasa. “But we must learn to jump over them. Jesus took a hasty decision. I am more worried about the players now, than the reasons behind his departure. Getting a top-level trainer is my priority.”
Though the Sports Authority of India has asked Bengaluru-based trainer M.V. Mathai to rush to the team’s aid, Brasa feels a top-level professional is the need of the hour. The Spaniard has shot off several letters to the ministry and the SAI officials, asking for another expert from Spain.
“I have written to the SAI asking for an expert, and am awaiting their reply. The Bengaluru trainer can at best work as an assistant, as having an Indian with the team will be helpful. That could well have been a reason for Jesus’ exit, as he never had anyone to help him,” the coach said.
Brasa also brushed aside reports of his differences with the trainer, saying, “How can anyone say that? There is no truth in this.
“I am angry with Pallares for leaving suddenly. I think he should have waited for things to improve. There has been no delivery of equipment till date, but we are braving the odds. I have had several talks with the ministry, and have been assured of technical support soon.”
Hockey India, on its part, has turned to the world body. “We are keen to hire a new trainer, and have asked the International Hockey Federation to suggest some names. Brasa is keen on David Perez from Spain, who was the original choice for the post,” said Hockey India general secretary Aslam Khan.
“The only drawback is that Perez is available only till the World Cup next year, and we would prefer someone on a permanent basis. Perez is in the loop but we are also considering other names.” SAI’s Pravir Krishn, in-charge of the national sport till the 2010 Commonwealth Games, said the authorities would give the go ahead for a new foreign trainer despite the Pallares incident.
“We have a provision of hiring a foreigner, along with two assistant Indian trainers. The decision (on who will replace Pallares) has to be taken by Hockey India, and we will give the green signal,” he said.