Click to play videoNew Delhi: He was the man who was supposed to lead Indian hockey out of the woods, but Ric Charlesworth's sudden decision to quit has left everyone shocked. He has resigned as technical advisor of Indian hockey.
So what prompted this dramatic step?
Sources in the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) say Charlesworth was unhappy with the way things were functioning despite the ouster of former hockey boss, KPS Gill, who didn't want him.
Says IHF Selection Committee Member, Ashok Kumar, "We all know that he has not been utilised at all. But we could not get him also to improve Indian hockey at all."
However, the actual story, say other sources, is something else.
Charlesworth signed a contract with the Sports Authority of India on March 20, but he had actually been working without a contract since mid-November. Those dues - in excess of Rs 17 lakh - are still pending.
He also wanted to have sweeping powers but that was not possible in the current setup.
Charlesworth wanted a larger role in restructuring Indian hockey, but officials claim his inputs were barely visible.
He was not too keen on working with the national team and that did not go down well, leading to some friction.
Charlesworth had previously indicated that if his demands were not met, he would quit.
In March this year he was quoted as saying, "If things stay the same, then I don't think that is the answer for India and I would not be interested in staying then."
Ric Charlesworth's resignation has not been accepted and it has been put on hold. Sources in the IOA say it could be a pressure tactic by Charlesworth, but then whatever the outcome, the episode could not have come at a worse time for Indian hockey.
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