Indian hockey's chief coach Jose Brasa told MiD DAY he has no sour feelings against anyone as he prepares to pack his bags and leave, first for Delhi and then a day later to his home country Spain

No SAI of relief for India coach Brasa

Indian hockey's chief coach Jose Brasa told MiD DAY he has no sour feelings against anyone as he prepares to pack his bags and leave, first for Delhi and then a day later to his home country Spain.

However, the 58-year-old, whose contract with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) ends on November 30, has one little worry. He's not too sure whether SAI will pay him his dues before he leaves Indian shores.

"I've not contacted the Sports Authority of India (SAI) nor have they.u00a0 I expect to meet them after I land in Delhi though. So, hopefully we'll talk about the money then," Brasa told MiD DAY after India beat South Korea 1-0 to clinch the bronze medal at the Asian Games here. Minutes later Pakistan clinched the Asiad gold after a gap of 20 years, when they beat Malaysia 2-0 in the final.

According to the Spaniard, SAI owe him over half a million rupees plus incentives. "SAI owe me about 10000 Euros plus the prize money for India's silver medal finish at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi last month and bronze medal at the Asian Games as is mentioned in my contract (he was not comfortable disclosing the entire sum)," said Brasa.

The sad part is that the hardworking coach who has completely transformed the Indian team's fitness levels and hockey playing style for the better, cannot even wait back a day beyond November 30 to ensure that the money comes in before he leaves Indian shores.

"I have just four days to go till my Indian visa expires because the government has issued me a visa only until the final day of my contract. So, I have no choice but to leave India on Nov 30, regardless of whether I'm paid or not," he said, hopeful though that the Indian authorities will keep to their promise of paying him before he moves on.

Speaking about his 18-month stint with India, Brasa said he has cherished every moment of it. "India is a great country and the people love their hockey. The players are very talented too and I have high regard for them.

Also, all my coaches have been very co-operative and helpful throughout my stint. I have only happy memories of this place. Unfortunately, my campaign could not end on a high but I would still say that we were the best team in the Asian Games," he said.

Brasa's final comments would bring some relief to the Indian hockey fans who believe the national game is in dire straits with the team having failed to clinch gold here which would have got them automatic qualification to the 2012 London Olympics. "This Indian team has the potential to win their Olympic qualifier. I believe India will surely qualify for the London Olympics," he said.