New Delhi: Indian hockey’s governing body Hockey India on Saturday announced that men’s team coach Roelant Oltmans has decided to step down from the role.
The 62-year-old was under pressure following team’s inconsistent performances. Oltmans had reportedly given a presentation, highlighting plans to take the Indian team forward.
“Roelant Oltmans role in improving the teams’ overall fitness & cohesiveness appreciated,” said Hockey India before adding, “Results are what matter and performance of the team has not been consistent or up to the desired levels.”
“High Performance Director, David John in the interim will take charge till a suitable replacement is found,” continued Hockey India.
The decision was taken during the three-day meeting of the Hockey India High Performance and Development Committee, which concluded on Saturday.
Though the federation did not say it in as many words, it is apparent that the HI bosses are not impressed with the Dutchman.
"Key decisions taken included Chief Coach Roelant Oltmans to step down," Hockey India said in a release.
The power-packed meeting to assess the way forward for Indian hockey was attended by over 24 members over the last three days.
Harbinder Singh, chairman of the Hockey India Selection Committee said, "The Committee was convened since we are collectively not satisfied with the Indian Men's Hockey team's performance in 2016 and 2017 and feels that wins in Asia can't be a benchmark for success any more.
"We need to show results beyond intent in key international tournaments where the sporadic success over the last two years is more incidental than deliberate. To make results a reality, we need to make hard decisions for the greater good of the future of Hockey in India," said Hockey India.
"The current format of coaching was not showing results beyond a certain level. The Committee unanimously agreement that immediate action was required to be taken and while change may not always be comfortable it is essential if we want to position ourselves as a serious global contender for the upcoming critical tournaments in 2018 including the Asian Games and World Cup and 2020 Olympic Games," concluded Hockey India.
