National squash coach Cyrus Poncha was not willing to reveal why India’s foreign coach Achraf El Karargui spoke the way he did (accusing Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) of being unprofessional, among other things) before putting in his papers on Monday.
“We have had the best relationship. So I don’t know what happened,” Poncha told The Hindu.
Poncha admitted that it (Achraf's resignation) was a jolt to the team, heading to Australia for the Commonwealth Games, but argued that the players being professionals would be able to handle it.
“Definitely yes [it is a jolt]. [But] all the players are professionals. We are sure we will carry on,” he said.
Poncha informed that the training camp for the Games will be held, for a week, at the Indian Squash Academy. In the absence of Achraf, Poncha and Bhuvaneshwari Kumari would be the coaches for the Games.
“Players have got a very good rapport with myself and Bhuvaneshwari,” said Poncha.
When asked whether it will be a huge load on him, Poncha shot back. “I have been doing this for the last 17 years. [There is] absolutely no burden,” he said.
The 42-year-old said SRFI has sent the names of those who will be playing in the Games to the Government and is awaiting the latter’s nod. He couldn’t say when the team will be announced.
Poncha claimed none from SRFI spoke to Achraf after the incident, and that the Egyptian had sent a mail to SRFI and the Government informing them of his resignation.
