SAI accepts David John’s resignation as High Performance Director of Hockey India

The Sports Authority of India has accepted the resignation of David John, who was employed as High Performance Director at Hockey India. John resigned on August 18, 2020, with immediate effect, through an email to Sports Authority of India and Hockey India. He resigned citing concern for his personal health in the current Covid-19 situation in India, and has expressed his desire to go back to Australia. John had a contract with SAI till September 2021.

Recently, David John’s contract was renewed by the SAI till September 2021 but the he decided to resign after facing troubles with Hockey India for a long time.

“David was feeling frustrated for a long time after Hockey India had apparently sidelined him. He was being ignored from being a part of important team decisions by Hockey India top brass,” a source close to the development had told PTI.

“David was no more involved in team decisions and was only occupied with taking online classes for coaches and players, a thing which didn”t go down well with him.

“The five-month break because of the COVID-19 pandemic was the trigger for his decision,” he added.

The Australian was drawing a monthly salary of USD 12,000 in his current position and had been working from home in New Delhi since the start of the coronavirus lockdown in mid-March.

David John, was had earlier worked as the men’s team physio and is often credited for the improvement in fitness levels of the Indian hockey players.

John had left the team after 2012 London Olympics and joined later as the Indian Hockey’s High Performance Director in November 2016.