Brasa slams hockey pitches at Asian Games, criticises FIH

Indian hockey’s chief coach Jose Brasa on Wednesday slammed the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the Asian Games orgainsers for using nylon pitches, saying the bouncy strip was not ideal for the international matches. Brasa’s comments came after India thrashed Bangladesh 9-0 in a bouncy turf at the Aoti Hockey Field in their second Group B match on Wednesday.

“This pitch is not good for the game, the TV or the spectators. International matches should not be held on such pitches. I don’t know how these pitches have been approved for international hockey by the FIH. Only polypropylene pitches should be approved,” the Spaniard said.

Brasa, in his last assignment as India coach as his contract expires after the Asian Games, said the organisers should have tested the strips much before the mega-event.

“Newly laid pitches should not be used as everyone, including the FIH, knows pitches take at least a year to settle down,” he said.

Incidentally, the Indian team had aired similar concerns about the pitch after their 4-0 win over Hong Kong in their opening match on Monday.

Keeping aside the problems, Brasa said he was satisfied with his wards’ good start in the Games.

“I am satisfied with the performance. We came with the intention of scoring six goals at least and got more. We missed a few chances,” he said.

On the forthcoming match against Pakistan, Brasa said the team will study their rival’s game before deciding on the strategy.

“We will study how they are playing. We have a few days to do so and then decide what to do,” he said.