Australian coach Terry Walsh has written a letter to Union Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal explaining his side of the position in the on-going tussle with the Hockey India President N.K. Batra.
Following Batra’s accusation that Walsh, when associated with the USA Field Hockey Federation, had been involved in some financial irregularity, the Australian had attempted to clear his name by addressing the issue in a communication to Sonowal.
Admitting that the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Sports Ministry had been most co-operative in this matter, Walsh expressed his happiness that some of the reforms he had suggested were already in the process of being implemented. He was also considering the suggestions from SAI and the Sports Ministry that he resume training the Indian team provided some of the issues with Hockey India were resolved in the interest of everyone.
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The major issue, according to Walsh, is the “reprehensible allegation” relating to his stint with USA Field Hockey Federation. Walsh has termed the allegation “baseless” and claimed the charges had already been “refuted” by officials of US Hockey.
To clear his name, Walsh, who guided India to the Asian Games gold at Incheon recently, informed that he had already instituted legal proceedings in the US to seek restitution and protect his reputation.
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Holding the team he trained in high regard, Walsh assured that he remained committed to the players whether he was engaged as coach or not in the future. He said the players also understood their role and involvement in the drive to restore the game’s great history of excellence at the international level.
Walsh said he was willing to come to India and resume discussions with the SAI but wanted to clear his name from the “detestable” misinformation being spread about him. He hopes Hockey India would join in the process to prepare the team for glory at the 2016 Olympic Games.