HI zero in on three coaches, presentation today
Navneet Singh, Hindustan Times
Hockey India has zeroed in on three potential candidates for the job of the national men’s team’s coach and would interview them in the capital on Tuesday. Sports Authority of India sources told Hindustan Times that Roelant Oltmans and Jacques Brinkman from Netherlands and Michael Norbs of Australia will make a presentation before a committee of Hockey India and SAI officials. The three candidates were shortlisted by the Hockey Development committee headed by former skipper Pargat Singh.
India has been looking to rope in a foreign coach since Spaniard Jose Brasa’s contract was not renewed after the Asian Games last year.
HI handed the reigns to Harendra Singh for the Azlan Shah tournament last month but the move failed to produce desired results.
The authorities are aware that time is running out with India slated to host the Champions Trophy in December, followed by Olympic qualifier in February 2012.
The men’s team had previously failed to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Games.
“Each of the foreign experts would be given at least 30 minute to present his case. The next national preparatory camp is just round the corner, and the government doesn’t want to waste more time,” said the SAI official.
The Sports Ministry has raised the monthly remuneration for foreign coaches from $5000 to $7500 in the lead up to the 2012 London Games.