Van Ass axed, Oltmans in

High Performance Director all set to double up as the new chief coach of India team

NEW DELHI: The word is finally out. Paul Van Ass is no longer the chief coach of the Indian national hockey team. Roelant Oltmans, India’s High Performance Director, looks all set to step in as the new head coach.

The nine-member special committee, constituted by Hockey India (HI) to decide on the matter, has recommended the 54-year-old Dutchman’s ouster for failing to submit his report on the team’s performance at the Hockey World League (HWL) Semifinals in Antwerp, Belgium. The unofficial reason, though more pertinent, for his ouster is his public altercation with Hockey India (HI) president Narinder Batra after the quarterfinal win against Malaysia in the HWL.

“We are not considering Van Ass since he is not responding to our calls and emails. He has not yet submitted his report on HWL Semifinals. So, there is no question of him returning,” said Harbinder Singh, the chairman of the committee.

“We have given our recommendations to Hockey India and it’s for them to decide now. He’s not coming for sure,” said Harbinder, after a four-hour long marathon meeting.

However, when The Tribune contacted Van Ass in Rotterdam, the Dutchman said he had not been contacted by any of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) or HI official till date. “There has been no contact till date. They don’t want me back. I knew about the decision. It (sacking) has been done to please one man’s (Batra) ego,” he said.

Even as this war of words continues between the Van Ass and the Hockey India and the SAI, HI’s High Performance Director Roelant Oltmans is almost certain to take over as the new head coach.

Harbinder wouldn’t disclose it, but another committee member revealed that Oltmans has already been sounded by Batra to take charge of the team.

The members felt that with just a year to go for the Rio Games, it would be difficult to find a new coach at such a short notice. “Also, it would be difficult for both the coach and the players to understand each other. Oltmans would be the right choice as he has successfully coached the team on two occasions previously,” said the committee member.

Oltmans has been with the team for nearly three years after his appointment in early 2013. He understands the requirements of the team, having worked with the players closely. He was the interim coach during the Champions Trophy last December after Australian Terry Walsh’s unceremonious exit. India finished a commendable fourth in the tournament.

The 61-year-old former head coach of the Dutch men’s and women’s team worked as India’s interim coach during the 2013 Asia Cup at Ipoh where the team finished runners-up.

The Tribune spoke to some of the current players, and they felt Oltmans should be given the additional charge instead of looking for a new candidate. Some even welcomed HI’s decision to sack Van Ass, albeit off the record.

“Oltmans is the best coach and HI has taken a right decision. We could never relate to Van Ass’ style of coaching, but Oltmans is technically and tactically stronger. He knows Indian hockey in and out, having spend close to three years with us. We are sure that we will perform well at the Olympics under him,” said midfielder Gurbaj Singh.

Oltmans is currently in Shilaroo, Himachal Pradesh, conducting the national camp. He is expected to meet Batra on Saturday. Later, they are scheduled to meet Sports Authority of India (SAI) Director General Injeti Srinivas.

Former captain Ajit Pal Singh said this would be the real test of Oltmans’ skills. “I still fail to understand what Oltmans has done as the High Performance Director all these years. What’s his exact role with the team? Let Oltmans take the charge of the Indian team, let him face the heat too.”