Press Trust of India
New Delhi, July 20: Indian men’s hockey team chief coach Paul van Ass created a flutter Monday by claiming that he has been fired by Hockey India (HI) following his alleged public altercation with federation president Narinder Batra, throwing the sport into yet another phase of uncertainty.
“As far I know, I was fired one week after the Hockey World League Semifinals in Antwerp. Roelant Oltmans (high performance director) was asked to replace me,” Van Ass conveyed from Amsterdam. “I have been told July 13 that Dr Batra doesn’t want me to be the chief coach any more. Roelant called and informed me about this.
“I am yet to get an official confirmation but I expect it to get it by the end of this week. That is precisely the reason why I didn’t turn up for the training camp which started Sunday,” the Dutchman added.
There was no immediate confirmation of the development from HI or Van Ass’ employer, SAI. However, a source in HI asserted that Van Ass has not been terminated.
If Van Ass is indeed relived of his duty he would become the fourth foreign coach to be shown the door ever since HI took the reins of the game in 2009. The other three were Jose Brasa, Michael Nobbs and Terry Walsh.
According to media reports, Van Ass had a public spat with HI president Narinder Batra after the quarterfinal match against Malaysia at the World League Semifinals. When asked about the possible reason behind his unceremonious ouster, Van Ass said: “There is no reason, they (HI) will find a reason now.”
Van Ass however, confirmed that he had indeed had an argument with Batra. “After our win over Malaysia Dr Batra came on the pitch and spoke to the players in Hindi. I thought he was commending the players but instead it turned out he was criticising them,” he said.
“Then I jumped in because the pitch is my area and I need to protect my players. Also I felt we played quite well in that match and we won it.” He added.
A hurt Van Ass, however, said if asked he is still willing to resume his duties and return. “Don’t ask me anything, ask Hockey India. I didn’t step aside… I was asked to go,” he said. “I have no problem,” was his reaction when asked if he is eager to return to India. “I have never stepped out.”
Van Ass, who was appointed at the end of January this year, was awarded a three-year contract till 2018. India reached the semifinals of the World Hockey League Semifinals before losing to Great Britain.