Selectors, coaches at loggerheads?
A day after Indian hockey goalkeeper Adrian D’Souza walked out of the national camp after he was snubbed by the national selectors, sources reveal that senior members Arjun Halappa and V.S. Vinaya have also been shown the door.
The national team are currently undergoing a preparatory camp at the Balewadi sports complex in Pune, ahead of a crucial European tour next month.
The campers underwent trials on June 9 and 10, but if sources are to be believed all was not hunky dory when it came to the final selection.
Chief coach Jose Brasa, it is learnt, was in favour of retaining the core squad in an year when India are to play the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games. He had rooted for the experience of goalkeeper D’Souza and midfielders Vinaya and Halappa, keeping in view India’s crucial engagements in the coming months.
“Brasa was not even asked for his opinion (on the selection matter) this time. The selectors attended the trials and decided to ‘rest’ the senior members,” said a Hockey India source who did not wish to be named.
The ones to get the look in are Rupinderpal Singh, Amit Prabhakar, Hari Prasad and Ajitesh Roy. While Rupinderpal debuted during the Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia last month, strikers Prasad and Roy have been around for almost five years, but have been unable to cement their place in the national side.
“It is a divided house no doubt. Hari Prasad and Roy have experience, but they are no match for Halappa’s talent. India will face the likes of Holland and world champions Germany during the four-nation event, and an inexperienced side may not be the best option,” he added.
Brasa, who is under a gag order from the Sports Authority of India, is learnt to have opposed the selection committee’s decision, but was not given a hearing.
“I am deeply sad that Adrian has left. I cannot say more than that,” was all Brasa said when contacted.
India coach Harendra Singh added that “the coaches were not the only ones to decide on selection these days.”
Hockey India, who held a special general council meeting here on the day, is expected to name the team on Tuesday.
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