Unity was our main weapon in fight’

Indian hockey coach Jose Brasa on Wednesday welcomed the Indian players’ decision to call off the strike, saying he was looking ahead for some on-field action now. “I am very happy today because my players are happy. It is a positive development and the full team has stood as a unit. We will focus on the World Cup now,” Brasa said from Pune after the deadlock between the 22-member Indian squad and the national federation ended with an amicable solution on Wednesday.

India goalkeeper Adrian D’Souza said the players are a relieved lot and will focus their attention on the preparations for the World Cup to be held in the capital from February 28-March 13.

“Our unity was our main weapon in this fight. I hope we carry forward this unity on the field. World Cup is a battle and unity is necessary to win any battle. You will definitely witness this unity during the World Cup,” D’Souza said.

The 25-year old said the IOA chief’s word of mouth was big enough assurance for them to call off the fiveday long strike and resume training from Thursday.

“The IOA president assured us that he will put our all other demands, including the gradation system, before the new Hockey India officials once they are elected on February 7. He also assured that gradation system will be worked out before the World Cup,” he added.

Former Olympians M.M.

Somaya and Joaquim Carvalho welcomed the move, saying it was time to devise a proper marketing plan.
“The administrators go into a hiding whenever the team fails and the players are the only ones to get punished,” Carvalho said.

“This is a good lesson for those who would take over the reins of Hockey India to treat the players as national treasures. Hockey is our national sport and players should not be taken lightly,” said the former national coach.

Somaya said he was hurt by the statement of interim president of Hockey India that the players were after money and not interested in playing for the country.