Paul van has not been sacked yet, says HI boss Batra

Contrary to Paul van Ass’ statement that he has been ‘fired’ from the chief coach of Indian national hockey team, Hockey India president Narinder Batra says that he has not been sacked yet. According to him, decision to appoint Paul was not taken by him alone, it’s a collective one with Sports Authority of India, Executive Board of HI and High Performance Director on board.

“Paul was appointed by Sports Authority of India after discussion and recommendation from Hockey India and Performance Director Roelant Oltmans. Its collective one. How I can alone sack him as a some seems to believe?”, asks Batra.

“As far as Hockey India is concerned, he is still on duty. That’s why he has been asked to submit report for discussion in the 20th July meeting”, he added.

“He has not been sacked yet”, he asserts.

“An expert committee with Olympian Harbinder Singh in the chair has been formed. They will discuss the issue on 24th. I will go by whatever the decisions of the committee”.

“I will not even attend the meeting. If they ask me to bring back Paul van Ass, Hockey India will do. If they ask me to bring him on first class flight, Hockey India will do”, Batra adds.

Dutchman Paul van Ass was appointed coach of the Indian national team six months ago, after Australian Terry Walsh’s contract had been terminated midway through his contract.

A post match advice / admonition / talk between victorious Indian team in the HWL SF quarterfinal and HI president seemed to have kicked off a tussle with Paul van Ass.

Breaking his silence, Paul van Ass today told Indian media that he has been informed by High Performance Director Roelant Oltmans that he has been fired.

Reacting to this, Batra told www.stick2hockey.com exclusively that what transpired between Oltamans and Paul is between them. They only need to explain. As far as I am concerned, I asked Paul to meet me after my talk with Indian team on that day.

“He is yet to meet me”, said Batra.

He also clarified that return ticket for Paul has been sent long back.