Australian Walsh quits as India´s hockey coach

NEW DELHI: Terry Walsh resigned as India´s field hockey coach on Tuesday, less than three weeks after guiding the team to the Asian Games title, which earned them a direct entry to the 2016 Olympics.

The 60-year-old Australian blamed India´s sporting bureaucracy for his shock resignation in a letter addressed to his employers at the Sports Authority of India that was released to the media.

"I am finding considerable difficulty adjusting to the decision-making style of the sporting bureaucracy in India which I believe, in the long term, is not in the best interests of Indian hockey or its players," Walsh wrote.

"In addition to my difficulties with not being able to professionally operate within these bureaucratic confines, I am not willing to continue with the constant time away from my family in Australia.

"My current commitment places too much stress on my personal life."

Walsh´s year-long contract -- he took over from compatriot Michael Nobbs last October -- was due to be extended next month ahead of the eighth-nation Champions Trophy in India in December.

Under Walsh, India came second behind Australia in the Commonwealth Games earlier this year and defeated arch-rivals Pakistan to clinch the Asian Games title after 16 years.

There was no immediate reaction from Hockey India, the sport´s governing body.

Walsh is the fifth foreign coach to serve the eight-time former Olympic champions over the last decade. The other four -- Spaniard Jose Brasa, Australian Ric Charlesworth, Germany´s Gerhard Rach and Nobbs -- were all sacked prematurely.(AFP)