New Indian Express: Hockey India meeting this week to decide coach Roelant Oltmans’ fate

By Swaroop Swaminathan

CHENNAI: There is an air of intrigue as Hockey India gets ready for a three-day meeting between the management and support staff in New Delhi from Thursday. Coach Roelant Oltmans’ position is said to be under review but it is believed he will retain his post for the time unless something dramatic happens at the meeting.

High Performance Director (HPD) David John will be in charge of it. “It is going to be a review meeting,” he told Express. “It is to see how far the team have progressed in the lead up to the World Cup next year. Apart from that, we just want to ensure the coaches, players and support staff are all on the same page. And Roelant will be a part of it. The aim is to have review meetings every six months till 2020.”

Oltmans has done a creditable job with the national team since taking over from Paul Van Ass but his job security diminished after India’s disappointing show at the World League Semifinal in London in June. He has gained some ground with a win at Netherlands (John travelled with the squad for that tournament) earlier this month but HI’s grouse remains a valid one. He, in their opinion, is not able to find an alternative plan when it comes to facing the big boys.

Interestingly, Oltmans retains the faith of the team. “Oh, is it? (Oltmans’ place being under threat)… this is the first time I am hearing any such thing,” captain Manpreet Singh said when asked about his status. “He is a capable coach.” Experienced campaigner SV Sunil also sang from the same hymn sheet. If we can win things, we shift the focus from the issue,” he said. “He is experienced and knows how to handle these situations.”