Head coach of India’s men hockey team asked to go
Hockey India (HI) on Saturday sacked high-profile chief coach of the Indian men's team Roelant Oltmans for the country's poor show at the World League Semi-Final. The governing body of Indian hockey arrived at the decision at its three-day review meeting. India had finished sixth in the tournament, which is a qualifier for next year's World Cup. India however, have already qualified for the showpiece event on the basis of being the host nation.
The review committee felt Dutchman Oltmans did not prepare the team for stronger opponents against whom India failed to do well. The committee was also unhappy with his constant chop and change policy in team selection.
While Oltmans’ role in improving the team’s overall fitness and cohesiveness was appreciated, the committee felt performance of the team wasn't consistent or up to the desired levels.
High Performance Director David John will be in charge till a suitable replacement is found for a smooth transition of the men's team. David is primarily a fitness trainer and has worked with the men's team before and during the London Olympics in 2012.
The meeting to assess the way forward for Indian hockey was attended by over 24 members over the last three days. “Key decisions taken included Chief Coach Roelant Oltmans to step down,” Hockey India said in a release. “While Roelant Oltmans role as Chief Coach in improving the teams' overall fitness and cohesiveness has been appreciated, the results are what matter and the performance of the team has not been consistent or up to the desired levels.”
Harbinder Singh, chairman of Hockey India Selection Committee, said, “The panel was convened since we are collectively not satisfied with the Indian men's hockey team's performance in 2016 and 2017 and feels that wins in Asia can't be a benchmark for success anymore.”
The review committee felt Oltmans (pic) did not prepare the team for stronger opponents against whom India failed to do well. The panel was unhappy with his chop and change policy
"I was always prepared to be sacked," says Roelant Oltmans after Hockey Indian removed the legendary Dutchman despite a largely successful stint of fourand-a-half years. India has always been a difficult place to work for foreign hockey coaches due to difference of opinion with national federations and bureaucratic hurdles.
In the past, renowned coaches like Australian Ric Charlesworth, Spaniard Jose Brasa, Micheal Nobbs, Terry Walsh and Paul van Ass were shown the door unceremoniously even before the completion of their tenures.
Asked whether he came prepared for the tough job when he was appointed as Indian hockey's High Performance Director in 2013, he answered in the affirmative.
"We all (foreigners) know India is not the easiest of countries to work -- especially in the sporting sector because of a host of issues. But in my mind, I was always prepared. When I took up the offer, I knew someday I will be sacked but I was ready for that," Oltmans told PTI in an interview just after his sacking. The Dutchman, who came to India in 2013 as High Performance Director, however, said he has no regrets and hoped that he has made good roadmap for the team to follow.
"I have no regrets because I know I have left certain legacy for India hockey in the last fourand-a-half-years. The team has made significant progress and I just hope the process which I had set continues in the future," Oltmans said. Oltmans said the day he took up the role he emphasized on the need to set long-term goals for Indian hockey to revive its past glory.
"I my plans from day one was to set long-term goals for India hockey to put the house in order and achieve a level a consistency. I had always said that India need 6 years to to be in the top 3," he said.
"But it seems it's different in India. People want overnight results. But it takes to build a process after a slump. In India it's all about winning a tournament, everyone thinks from the point of view of a fan. It takes time."
"But I never had any disagreement with the authorities here. I had a great time and enjoyed here," Oltmans clarified.
The Dutchman, however, was taken aback with the sudden decision of Hockey India and said it was not in the best interest of the country.
"I don't think it was the right moment to take this decision. We had always set our target for 2017 Asia Cup and winning the Hockey World League Finals."
The Dutchman feels he has set in a system for the Indian men's team to propel in future.
"We had prepared the team for the future. I am 100 per cent confident we will win the Asia Cup and I absolutely feel we can finish on the podium in the HWL Finals, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games provided we have the systems in place," Oltmans said in a caustic tone.
"But you never know because a new coach will come and he will have his own style of play. But I feel the team is heading in the right direction," he signed off.