Eyeing India job, coach Norbs to arrive in Bhopal

Uthra G Chaturvedi

The Hockey India executive committee meeting on May 31 had entrusted a five member committee with the job of searching for a foreign coach within 15 days. With just three days to go before their own deadline passes, there has been no signs of any progress on the issue.
On Tuesday, however, one of the names in contention — Michael Norbs of Australia — will be in Bhopal, though any talks of his stint with the Indian national team are still undecided. His presence here, instead, will be not to have a look at the complete talent available in the country but concentrate on the Punjab side. Norbs has been brought on as a consultant for Hockey Punjab for a few months, to prepare a blueprint and a development structure to strengthen the sport in the state.

“Norbs will be coming to India as Hockey Punjab consultant. He will also go to Bhopal to see the team in action there and get a first-hand look at the players. As for his being in contention for India job, let’s see, it is yet to be decided,” said a senior Hockey India official said.

Norbs, who played the 1984 Olympics with Ric Charlesworth, has handled provincial sides in Australia but doesn’t have any experience of coaching a national side. Interestingly, while two of the five members of the committee are here as selectors, they had no idea of his arrival. “It’s good that he is coming here but we have not decided on any name for India’s foreign coach as yet,” said selector, Col. Balbir Singh.

A source said Norbs was suited to guide the planning because of his experience with Australian hockey. “Australia play the perfect example of hockey today, which is both attacking and defensive, free-flowing and restrictive. We feel he will be able to guide our youngsters well. We want the sport in the state to get back on track,” he said.

Oltmans also in fray

Meanwhile, another name doing the rounds is that of Dutch coaching great Roelant Oltmans, and he will be coming in the third week of June for a meeting with officials here. “Oltmans has said he is tied up till the end of June for assignments but he will come for a meeting later this month. He is an FIH master coach and has a proven record at the highest level with both the men’s and women’s sides. In addition, he has had a stint with the Pakistan team also, so he understands the Asian psyche,” said a senior HI official .

Oltmans led the Dutch women’s team to the World Cup title in 1990. He then coached the Dutch men’s team to the Olympic title in 1996, the world cup in 1998 and was in charge at the 2008 Olympics as well, where the Netherlands finished fourth.