Hockey team’s analytical coach Ciriello resigns

New Delhi, September 22

The Indian men’s hockey team was dealt another big blow ahead of the Tokyo Olympics when analytical coach Chris Ciriello quit from his position due to health issues, weeks after David John tendered his resignation from high performance director’s post.

Australian Ciriello, the decorated drag-flicker who is an Olympics bronze and World Cup gold winner, put in his papers over the weekend from his home in Victoria.

The 34-year-old went back to Australia in June in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic when the national players were given a month’s break. The national camp resumed in Bengaluru on August 4 but Ciriello did not return. According to sources close to Ciriello, his treatment for skin inflammation was cited as the reason behind his resignation. “Chris has resigned as analytical coach. He went to Australia in June and was supposed to join the national camp last month but he stayed back, first because of some issues with his visa and then health problems,” a source told PTI.

The Sports Authority of India also confirmed the development. “The SAI has just received his resignation letter and it is being processed,” an official said.

Ciriello, who was with the Indian team for two-and-a-half years, was handed a year’s extension till the Tokyo Games. Ciriello is the third Australian support staff member, after John and men’s team physiotherapist David MacDonald, to have resigned in one month. Their exodus will be a big blow for the team in its preparations for the Olympics as it is very unlikely for Hockey India to find their suitable replacements in these times. — PTI