HI sacks Jude Felix, advertises for new junior men's hockey coach

New Delhi: Hockey India on Wednesday sacked the junior men's hockey team coach Jude Felix after the national side finished a disappointing sixth in the just-concluded eight-nation tournament in Madrid.

The development came to light after HI advertised for the position on its official website on Wednesday.

A source in HI said the decision to remove Jude was on expected lines following a series of below-par performances by the reigning junior world champions.

"It was expected, especially after India's below-par performance in the recent eight-nation tournament in Madrid," the HI source said. In that tournament earlier this month, the Indian colts lost 0-4 to Australia, 2-3 to Netherlands, 1-3 to Spain and 1-2 to Great Britain. India's only win in the event was against Austria who they beat 4-2. Jude, who took over the reigns in August 2017, confirmed the development.

"Yes, I am no longer the coach of the junior team. I was conveyed the decision 2-3 days via an email," he added.

Asked whether he was given any explanation as to why he was fired, he simply said: "I won't like to speak anything about it right now."

Jude, a former India captain, however, said he will submit the report of the Madrid tournament in a day or two to HI.