Terry Walsh Ready to Return as Chief Coach But Wants Hockey India to Show 'Desire'

Terry Walsh has revealed that he is ready to return to India and continue as the chief coach of the men's hockey team, if Hockey India shows some "desire".

The Australian, who had helped India clinch gold at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon last month, stepped down earlier last week, saying the two meetings between him and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) panel - regarding a contract extension - did not yield the desired results.

However, Union minister for sports Sarbananda Sonowal convinced Walsh to reconsider his decision to quit, after meeting him in his office on Wednesday and agreeing to all of the coach's proposals "in principle".

Walsh has now stated that he has written a letter to Sonowal, expressing his desire to resume his job till the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, if Hockey India works out a "viable solution".

"A letter from my side was sent to the minister yesterday indicating my desire to return to India to finalise negotiations and work through to Rio, 2016. Now it is in the hands of Hockey India to show the same desire for a viable solution," PTI quoted the 61-year-old as saying.

Walsh also hailed sports minister Sonowal, SAI and the Indian players for their support.

"The minister for sport and SAI have shown a keen desire to create a good working solution. The players are supportive and India has a very bright International future if it stays on a solid pathway," he pointed out.

Walsh reportedly wants financial incentives, support staff of his choice and autonomy in allocation of funds.

The former Australia striker took over the reins of Indian hockey a year ago. Besides the Asian Games gold, India won a silver medal at 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and also a historic 3-1 Test series triumph in Australia under the new coach.