Roelant Oltmans sacked as India's chief Hockey coach; High-performance director David John will take charge currently

Head coach of Indian hockey team Roelant Oltmans has been sacked from his position by Hockey India on Saturday. Oltmans, who was initially appointed as a High-Performance manager in 2013, became the head coach after Paul Van Ass left controversially in 2015.

Hockey India said that they appreciated Oltmans' role in improving the team's overall fitness and cohesiveness. However, results are what matter & performance of the team has not been consistent or up to the desired levels.

The decision was taken during the three-day meeting of the Hockey India High Performance and Development Committee, which concluded on Saturday.

High Performance Director, David John in the interim will take charge till a suitable replacement is found: Hockey India

— ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2017

Further, current High Performance Director, David John will take charge  in the interim till a suitable replacement is found.

Results are what matter & performance of the team has not been consistent or up to the desired levels: Hockey India

— ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2017

Roelant Oltmans role in improving the teams’ overall fitness & cohesiveness appreciated: Hockey India

— ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2017

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.

With PTI inputs