Indian hockey team coach Terry Walsh withdraws resignation

Terry Walsh

Good sign for Indian hockey

After all the furore in the media blaming the bureaucracy for Terry Walsh’s resignation, things have taken a U-turn for the good of Indian hockey. Walsh has agreed to stay on as the coach of the national team after meeting with the officials of Sports Authority of India (SAI).

His decision to resign came just three weeks after India had clinched gold in the Incheon Asian Games. There were reports that all was not well between Hockey India (HI) and SAI.

"I am finding considerable difficulty adjusting to the decision making style of the sporting bureaucracy in India which I believe, in the long term, is not in the best interests of Indian Hockey or it's players. I am not willing to continue with the constant time away from my family in Australia. My current commitment places too much stress on my personal life." Walsh said.

"The system is not in place. You need much more flexibility and open operation in the way that things are managed," he added.

With Champions trophy starting in a few weeks from now, it comes as a huge relief for the Indian team and the fans. SAI director general Jiji Thomson held talks with Walsh on Tuesday and the discussion has been successful.

"I met him [Walsh] when he came to SAI today," Thomson said. "He told me that he doesn't have any issues with SAI. The matter will be resolved. We want him to continue in his position."

Thomson added that there will be a revision in the contract.