Rasquinha lashes out at selectors, wants answers on his sacking

Mumbai, Nov 27 (UNI) India hockey midfielder Viren Rasquinha today demanded an explanation from the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) on the reasons for dropping him from the Asian Games squad.

Rasquinha was dropped, after being included in the original squad, citing the reason that he was injury-prone and his fitness was not upto the mark.

Addressing a news conference here, the experienced mid-fielder recalling the events said he was named in the Indian Hockey Team for the Doha Asian Games about a week ago and the list of 16 members was informed by the coach and manager in Rourkela on November 17, a day after fitness tests and selection trials were conducted by the coaches and selectors.

On November 24, Raquinha added that ''the team along with the stand byes had another round of trials and fitness tests in Gurgaon, supposedly to rule out any last minute injuries. I ran the 2.4 km endurance test in 8.54 minutes, well within the cut off time of 9 minutes flat.'' ''Next morning, much to my surprise and shock, I was informed by the Chief Coach Bhaskaran that I had been dropped. He told me that I deserved to be in the team on current form and fitness, but said that he was sorry. Later in the day, I spoke to the Secretary General of the IHF, Mr Jyotikumaran and he, too, told me that I deserved to be in the team and that he too was sorry.'' ''My point is then how come have I been dropped from the squad on the eve of departure for no rhyme or reason whatsoever. As far as I know, no one has questioned my on field performance or my discipline. In the 40 metre speed tests, I was always within the top 3. These records can easily be made public,'' he said.

Rasquinha also wanted answers from the selectors on the real reason behind his sacking. ''Some newspaper reports mention that the selectors referred to the fitness tests on the last day as criteria for team selection. Then I question how come I was dropped when I did better than some other players and what about the overall fitness tests and performance in the entire duration of the 2 month long training camp. I demand that the fitness tests be made public for all to see and then you guys decide for yourself,'' Rasquinha added.

''No genuine reason has been given to me so far and it was embarrassing and humiliating for me to be told to go home on the last day. This after giving 100 per cent effort and commitment during the entire duration of the camp. I sincerely feel that my current form and fitness, my past record and experience in big tournaments should count for something. No player should be treated so badly, especially someone who has played almost 200 international matches for the country with pride, honour and distinction.

Otherwise, I would not have been bestowed with the prestigious Arjuna Award for 2005,'' the midfielder added.

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