Oltmans says India will face sterner tests in Junior WC

Indian hockey team’s manager Roelant Oltmans feels that this developmental side will face even sterner tests when they will be pitted against better opponents in the Junior World Cup as well as the Junior Asia Cup to be held at the same venue, in August.

Conceding that the results cannot be achieved overnight and not hazarding a guess as to the team finishing in the podium, Oltmans said, “The team has to do a lot better to convert the potential into the all-important facet of winning.”

“On paper, the relatively younger side with the likes of Mandeep Singh should do well on a turf akin to their ones at home.”

Oltmans said that for an all-round show, which matters in the end, he will try to make few changes in the overall structure and the pattern of play.

Oltmans said that modern hockey is all about adapting to the strength, conditions and a bit of home work in getting the inputs of the opposition right.

In a tight packed calendar year, Oltmans said there are no immediate targets for the Indian team.

“There are some rough edges, which has to be polished and with his assignment just for this edition,” Oltmans said that on paper, the team is evenly matched with the likes of Australia and other fancied teams.