Spaniard Jose Brasa has decided to join the Indian hockey team as its chief coach.
After the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) ad hoc committee initiated the process a good six months ago, negotiated for three months and sent him an offer letter earlier this month, it has finally succeeded in getting a confirmation from the reputed coach. An agreement is expected to be signed on May 4 (Monday).
“I was not happy with the initial contract but over the past two weeks or so, Indian officials seem to have been very keen to hire me. They have constantly been in touch and that has helped settle things,” said Brasa.
“A lot needs to be done to improve Indian hockey and I have made it clear that I will run things the way I want to,” said Brasa, who coached the Spanish women’s team to a gold medal in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
“I will be watching the Asia Cup tournament (in Kuantan, Malaysia from May 9 to 16) but will not be there as coach,” said Brasa, who had come to India in January to put down his conditions, which had then included having a qualified physical trainer, physiotherapist, technical support and a fixed tenure running up to 2012.
“He will be coming here (Delhi) this weekend. There are a few things we have reworked but the details of the contract will be made public only after the deal is signed,” an ad hoc committee member confirmed.
Brasa, who was originally demanding $10,000 per month for the assignment, had reportedly agreed to take a cut of around 30 per cent, but was offered lesser. This was one among quite a few reasons that forced him to re-think his decision to join the Indian team after it had looked all too sure that he would take up the assignment.
“Everything is settled now. I have been very open on almost all counts but was determined not to compromise on any aspect regarding coaching and the team,” added Brasa, without divulging more details.
India have been without a regular coach since Aussie Ric Charlesworth was shown the door last year. Harendra Singh, termed the ‘coach-in-charge’, tasted some success including a title triumph in the recent Azlan Shah hockey tournament but has been open to the idea of remaining in the scheme of things with a senior and more reputed coach at the helm.
