India out of Beijing but Carvalho wants Dronacharya award

While Indian hockey goes through chaos and the country remains desponent at the Indian team missing out on an Olympic berth for the first time ever, Joaquim Carvalho — who has the dubious distinction of overseeing India’s unsuccessful Olympic qualifiers campaign — is now disappointed at missing out on the coveted Dronacharya award, given to India’s best coaches.

Carvalho has blamed “politics” for the treatment meted out to him by the Sports Ministry, accusing them of not referring his recommendation by the disbanded Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) to the selection committee. “Why should I be made a victim of politics? I know for sure that the Ministry received my application well before the deadline. Let the Ministry be neutral between Indian Olympic Association and IHF. Politics should not come in the sports arena,” he said.

Interestingly, this is the fourth consecutive time Carvalho’s name has been recommended — and overlooked — for the award. “I am an Olympian and captained the country. There may be difference of opinion or disagreement, but no sportsperson worthy of any award should suffer for recognition,” added Calvalho. The award comprises a bronze statue of Dronacharya, a scroll of honour and Rs 3 lakh cash.