Indian hockey coach Walsh's contract to be renewed

Indian hockey coach Terry Walsh, who resigned Tuesday, will be given a new contract that will provide him with more functional autonomy in the technical matters of the running of the sport.

Sports Authority of India (SAI) director general Jiji Thomson said Wednesday that Walsh, who is serving a one-month resignation notice period, will be offered a new contract before Nov 19.

"Walsh has not withdrawn his resignation. As per the contract, he has to give one month's notice for resignation. Since the resignation will officially come into effect from Nov 19, 2014, it was decided that the contract will be renewed before 19th November," Thomson said in a statement.

Thomson also clarified that Walsh, who receives a monthly salary of $16,000, has no problems with the tax deduction or remuneration.

"Today, we had a lengthy discussion with Walsh, who made it very clear that he has no problems with regard to the tax deduction or remuneration. His major concern was about the lack of functional autonomy in deciding the technical matters relating to hockey. He was of the view that he along with the High Performance Director (Roelant Oltmans) need to be given more freedom in the decision making process," Thomson added.

"From SAI side, we have absolutely no issues on this. This is a matter that needs to be discussed with Hockey India. We intend to convene a meeting shortly under the chairmanship of the Minister (independent charge), Skill Development, Entrepreneurship, Youth Affairs & Sports, Sarbananda Sonowal where SAI, Ministry of Sports, Hockey India and Walsh, will be present to thrash out this issue."

The SAI director general said that the new contract will also include a new holiday package for the Australian.

"Another issue raised by Terry Walsh was about the number of holidays he is entitled to. Again, this is an issue that could be sorted out and we have expressed our readiness to reconsider the holiday package," the statement read.

Walsh Tuesday cited "difficulty in adjusting to the functioning of he country's bureaucratic system" and personal reasons as the causes for quitting his post.

"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," the 60-year-old said.

Thomson added that the SAI also requested Walsh to help in preparing a long-term athlete development plan for hockey.