K ARUMUGAM
Roelant Oltmans has been in and out of Indian and Pakistani teams as Head Coach/ Technical Director for a generation. But seldom has he borne a look of joy as he did while reflecting on Pakistan’s entry into the quarterfinals of the 2023 FIH Men’s Junior World Cup in Kuala Lumpur.
Pakistan drew 1-1 with Belgium in the concluding Pool D match to make the grade. The Netherlands finished on top of ‘the group of death’, their match against Pakistan ending 3-3.
Oltmans gushed praise for his boys who were well out of the top eight in the world before the tournament. “I’ve always said that this is a talented group of players that can do well in not only the Junior World Cup but even at the senior level,” said the 69-year-old Dutchman.
The real emotion behind Oltman’s words was the realization of what the achievement meant for a hockey nation with a glorious past that has fallen on hard times in the last 20 years.
Oltmans looked back to the match against Belgium. “We didn’t start well, of course. Conceding an early goal wasn’t part of the plan, I’ll be honest. But thereafter we controlled the game and didn’t give Belgium many chances except one late in the game.
“I am also happy with our defensive structure that denied Belgium as many penalty corners as we conceded against New Zealand (Pakistan won 4-0). We knew it would be a tight contest and players across the pitch did what they had to,” he said.
“I hope this opens the eyes of people in Pakistan,” he said.
“They need all support.”
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“I am proud of the boys. They’ve worked hard in the last couple of months. Yes, there’s still a lot to do. We’re in the quarterfinals but there’s a long way to go.”
The conversation then moved to Spain, Pakistan’s opponents next up. “I watched Spain play India and was impressed (Spain won 4-1). But luckily we have two days before the match (on Tuesday) during which I hope to watch videos and plan accordingly,” said the head coach.
Oltmans revealed that except for a player carrying a niggle the team is fit. “Our plans have worked out so far, let’s now see what we can come up with.”