Harinder, Brasa at loggerheads now?
New Delhi, Feb. 2: The 22 probables for the Indian hockey team get their final preparations under way for the World Cup with a three-week camp at the newly-renovated Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here from Wednesday.
Trouble, though, is in store with insiders confirming that chief coach Jose Brasa, physical trainer David Perez and national coach Harendra Singh are at loggerheads over the preparations.
The trio, it is learnt, had a heated argument on their arrival here on Monday. The trouble began over the non-availability of the gymnasium at the National Stadium — venue for the World Cup — and a directive from the Sports Authority of India asking players to use a private gym for fitness training.
Perez, it is believed, told SAI officials that "absolutely no changes" could be made in the training schedule at this stage. "We are staring at the World Cup. While all the other nations are training systematically for the last six months, we are still stuck with lack of facilities, venues, etc. Perez is a highly qualified trainer and he was livid with the change," a source close to the team said.
The players will now have to travel for at least 20 minutes to avail of the facilities, something Perez objected to. "He (Perez) is very clear that the players need to use the gym at the venue itself. There are specific schedules for every player. According to the schedule, a player needs to be at the training ground within five minutes of his fitness training (at the gym). Now if we go by SAI’s directive, crucial time will be lost in travel, sending the schedule for a toss," the source added.
Interestingly, both Brasa and Harendra refused to comment on the matter.
"Talk to Harendra," was all Brasa said, while Harendra said "the chief coach should oblige the media".
It may be recalled that trainer Jesus Garcia Pallares — part of Brasa’s original team — had quit barely two months after his appointment, blaming the high-headedness of the SAI officials. "SAI officials are professional liars," Pallares had said.
Meanwhile, striker S.V. Sunil is likely to miss the World Cup owing to a knee injury, effectively reducing the list of probables to 21. Sunil injured his right knee at the Pune camp recently, and later consulted renowned orthopaedic surgeon Dr Anant Joshi, who has advised him three weeks rest. "My knee is slowly and steadily getting better. The doctor has advised me three weeks rest and I am doubtful for the World Cup," Sunil said.
The final 18-strong team will be named after trials on February 9 and 10.
Harpreet Kaur lamba
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