The Indian men's hockey team was dealt another big blow ahead of Tokyo Olympics when analytical coach Chris Ciriello quit from his position due to health issues, days after David John tendered his resignation from High Performance Director's post. The decorated drag-flicker from Australia, who has an Olympic bronze besides World Cup gold and multiple other medals to his credit, has put in his papers over the weekend from his home in Victoria. Ciriello, 34, went back to Australia in June in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic when the national players were given a month's break.

It's been over a month the national camp has resumed at the SAI South Centre in Bengaluru on August 4 but Ciriello is yet to return. And now it has been learnt that the Australian has abruptly ended his association with Indian hockey due to health issues. According to sources close to the player, he is undergoing treatment for skin inflammation was cited it as the reason behind his resignation.