The Sports Authority of India supremo, Jiji Thampson has expressed utter surprise on the sudden resignation of Indian men’s chief coach Terry Walsh.

“He has not complained anything to us so far, either in writing or in person. I am not aware of any sudden issues in him being the chief coach of the team. I am always available to him, could have easily picked up the phone and talked to me”, said Jiji Thompson, Director General of Sports Authority of India, to a leading television news channel.

Terry had signed a annual contract with SAI to be the chief coach of the Men’s national team. This contract, if not renewed, will expire on 19th Nov.

“Yesterday he came to our office, I could not meet him, but one of my colleagues engaged him”, he added.

“I am taken by surprise on the resignation. By his letter of resignation, I understand it is not just the issue of Tax Deducted at Source, for which he needed to give a PAN No, which is as per Indian tax laws. However, I wish to tell you that Terry also mentioned his interest to work with Indian hockey in some capacity or other. He wanted to spend more time with family back in Australia”.

Meanwhile Sports Minister, Government of India, Sonowal has ordered both Jiji Thampson and Secretary to file a report within 24 hours.

Yes, I ordered a status report. I asked DG, SAI and Secretary, Sports, to file a report within 24 hours. I will come out with my views only after seeing it”, Minister said to a channel.

Narinder Batra, President of Hockey India, said that such a thing was in the offing over a period of time.
“SAI has been very late or lethargic in taking many decisions, giving clearances for camps etc in the last minute, things like that are not liked by the foreign coaches, who are used to autonomous way of functioning”, he elaborated.

It is certain now that Terry resigned on Saturday, and the matter was kept under wrap till HI thought of bringing it to the knowledge of media today.

Overall it seems the Sports Authority of India officials, who are used to their own ways of doing things at their pace, were taken aback by the backlash the resignation has kindled.

Every news channel is highlighting the issue, and panel discussions are right now on on many of them.