Michael Nobbs set to return

TNN

BANGALORE: Chief coach Michael Nobbs and physio David John may well make it to the national hockey camp beginning in Patiala on October 15.

On Saturday, Sports Authority of India cleared the suspense over the Australians’ return, saying it would kick-start the visa process on Monday. In all probability, Nobbs should get his visa this week, sources told TOI.

Hockey India secretary-general Narinder Batra had told reporters here last week that he wasn’t aware when Nobbs would return. Nobbs’ file, in which his extension until the end of 2014 had been endorsed by both HI and SAI, was lying with the sports ministry, Batra had stated.

But the ministry countered the view, saying that it had cleared Nobbs’ file last month. SAI and HI then swung into action two days back, finalising Nobbs’ return as well as the venue of the camp.

It was also decided at the meeting that Patiala would host the men’s camp while Bhopal will be the training centre for women. There were doubts on this front too, with Batra suggesting that the Balewadi centre in Pune could be an option as Patiala had initially housed the women’s camp.

Around 48 probables will be attend the men’s camp.