Times of India: Roelant Oltmans on his way out?
By Ashish Sen
JAIPUR: Ever since Indian hockey team crashed out of the Rio Games, losing to Belgium in the quarter-finals, a section of former hockey greats have been crying foul to remove coach Roelant Oltmans, putting the entire blame on the Dutchman. Even Hockey India president Narinder Batra is in a dilemma of how to tackle the situation.
So do we expect any change? Asked whether any heads will roll after India’s Rio campaign, Batra said it’s too early to reach a decision.
“I got reports from 20 Olympians, pinpointing the shortcomings of the Indian team. Their reports will definitely help us take corrective measures,” he said. The HI president said the Oltmans issue will be discussed at a meeting, indicating that the Dutchman had earlier agreed to stay till Rio Olympics.
“We will call some former players and take their suggestions before taking any step.” Batra also had high hopes on India as he explained “another Olympics came to a disappointing end for India hockey fans.”
But if we analyse India’s performance in the group league matches in Rio, it was not that bad. They played well against Germany and Argentina. But were found wanting in crucial matches against The Netherlands and Canada. Many feel without Oltmans, it would be tough for the team members to motivate themselves.
What they suggest that keeping in mind the junior World Cup, to be hosted by India in December this year, the Dutchman should be retained. And if the junior side could make a turn around, then a decision must be taken. Because if the performance of India in the Champions Trophy and the World League final are taken into account, it was the perseverance of Oltmans and his coaching methods which pushed India hockey to a new high.