Asian Games result will determine Walsh, Oltmans’ future: SAI
PTI
NEW DELHI: Sports Authority of India (SAI) director general Jiji Thomson made it clear that if Indian men’s hockey team fares poorly at the Asian Games, it may spell ouster for its chief coach Terry Walsh as well as high performance director Roelant Oltmans.
“It would be a knee-jerk reaction if we decided to replace them now. We will be patient till the Asian Games and based on how the team performs, will take a call on their (Walsh and Oltmans) future,” Thomson said.
India finished a disappointing ninth in the World Cup last month, fuelling speculation that the highly-paid Walsh and Oltmans might be on their way out.
Walsh draws around $12,500 a month and Oltmans $15,000.
Thomson, who saw India’s matches at the World Cup in The Hague, said they will in get in touch with Hockey India (HI) once the Asian Games are over.
“I could not attend Hockey India’s review meeting last week as I was away. I will soon find out about HI’s assessment. But as I said, there is no point in taking any decision now. We know that Commonwealth Games will be tough as it will have higher-ranked teams like Australia, England and New Zealand. We are more hopeful of a medal from the Asian Games,” said Thomson.
“Penalty corner conversion has been one of India’s main concern. I am confident the team will fix that problem in the upcoming tournaments,” he added.
Walsh was named the chief coach in October while Oltmans was appointed in January.