Ignace return could hit team

Also missing from the Indian contingent was manager RK Shetty from Bangalore, who too opted at the last moment, citing “family reasons”. Assistant coach Mohinder Pal Singh has been entrusted with the managerial responsibility in Shetty’s absence.

Speaking to PTI soon after the team’s arrival here from Kuala Lumpur this afternoon, Carvalho said, “Ignace himself opted out of the tournament after low-key performances in the two practice games we played in Kuala Lumpur earlier this week.

“He told me that he was not up to playing in the competition due to personal reasons and so we agreed to let him fly back to India. Vikram Kanth, a solid midfielder, is expected to reach here tomorrow morning.”

India lost 0-1 to Malaysia in their first practice game in Kuala Lumpur and the teams drew 1-1 in the next match.

“In both the matches, Ignace was not up to the mark. I would like to categorically state that his returning home is nothing to do with discipline or fitness. So, there are no issues here,” Carvalho clarified.

According to the chief coach, who took charge barely a month back replacing Vasudevan Baskaran, Ignace had passed the fitness test prior to the teams departure to Malaysia.

Carvalho declined to elaborate on the “personal reasons” that led to Ignace’s sudden departure, but it was learnt that the midfielder was in the process of securing release from MEG, Bangalore, to pursue offers from a public company. As such, he could not focus on his game.

India are clubbed with Australia, Argentina and China in Group A, while Pakistan, Malaysia, Canada and Korea comprise Group B.

Hockey back in schools

NEW DELHI: The first day of the Delhi Book Store Cup six-a-side tournament that the Indian Hockey Federation, along with Score Management, had started for the promotion of the sport saw a good turnout. But the question which immediately comes to mind is what next? Indian team goalkeeper Adrian D’Souza and IHF official Kukoo Walia paints a positive picture. “I understand that academies are the main nursery nowadays and hockey in schools is almost non-existent. But these camps or tournaments ensure that an interest is created among children and the IHF must be doing it with long term plans in mind,” said D’Souza at DPS, RK Puram where the meet was held.

“Some of these kids did not even play hockey before yesterday. I was surprised how low hockey has reached, but the worry is that their schools take no initiative either. The IHF needs to look into this,” tournament director Kukoo Walia said.

“We will provide the schools with equipment and we also hope to hold camps and provide coaches to the schools.