Roelant Oltmans sacked as Indian hockey team's coach
Indian national hockey team's head coach, Roelant Oltmans has been sacked from his post by Hockey India (HI). The governing body of hockey took the decision following team India's poor performance over the last two years. Oltmans had come in place of Dutchman Paul Van-Ass who left the job amid controversy in 2015. David John, team's High Performance Director, will be the interim coach.
Reasons stated by the HI's review committee
Hocky India's review committee said "while Oltmans role in improving team's overall fitness and cohesiveness was appreciated, the results weren't consistent. They felt that Oltmans did not prepare the team for stronger opponents. The committee added that "wins in Asia can't be a benchmark for success anymore and that a change is required if we want to position ourselves as a serious global contender."
Roelant Oltmans achievements with Indian team
Roelant Oltmans served as the Indian hockey team's High Performance Director before Paul as the Head Coah. The Dutch national led Indian team to Azlan Shah Cup Silver medal (2016) and bronze (2017), silver at 2016 Hockey Champions Trophy and 2016 Asian Champions Trophy Gold.
Indian Hockey coach position, an insecure job
Roelant Oltmans isn't the first case of an Indian hockey coach being booted out. In the past eight years, Indian team has been coached by several people. This includes the likes of Ric Charlesworth, Jose Brasa (2009-2011), Michael Nobbs (2011-2013), Terry Walsh (2013-2014), and Paul Van Ass (2015), all of whom left unceremoniously owing to troubles with Hockey India (HI).
Jose Brasa on HI's treatment of coaches
Stating that Hockey India treats coaches like puppets, former coach Jose Brasa once said, "The problem is with freedom. A coach who accepts to be a marionette (puppet) will stay long. Good foreign coaches with personality will never accept to be a marionette."
