I was prepared to be sacked from day one, says Roelant Oltmans
September 03, 2017 10:36 ISTThe Dutchman said he has no regrets about Hockey India's decision, he believes he has made a good roadmap for the team to follow in the future.
The Dutchman said he has no regrets about Hockey India's decision, he believes he has made a good roadmap for the team to follow in the future.
Oltmans had joined the Indian team as High-Performance Director in January 2013 and took over as coach in July 2015 after the ouster of Paul Van Ass.
The 63-year old Oltmans became the head coach of India men's hockey team after Paul Van Ass left controversially in 2015.
The Green Shirts, currently ranked 14th in the FIH standings, ended seventh in the World League Semi-Finals in London, where the likes of Germany, England, Netherlands and Belgium earned World Cup qualification by finishing in the top five.
Forwards Gurjant Singh, Armaan Qureshi, midfielder Nilkanta Sharma, full-back Tirkey, Varun Kumar and goalkeeper Suraj Kerkera made their debut for Indian hockey team on the Europe tour.
India straightaway sought to put pressure on the home team and the positive intent worked as they drew first blood through a penalty corner awarded in the fourth minute.
India conceded the solitary goal in the dying minutes of the fourth quarter and final 15 minutes with Tom Boon (60th minute) finding the net for the hosts.
Known for his terrific fitness levels not only in India but worldwide, Sardar was included in the 18-man FIH All Star team in 2010 and 2011.
Junior World Cup heroes Varun Kumar, Dipsan Tirkey, Nilakanta Sharma, Gurjant Singh and Armaan Qureshi have been named in India hockey squad for the tour of Belgium and Netherlands.
Hockey India claims that tournament will return in 2019 with a fresh outlook.
In contrast, 2016 has been a landmark year when the men's team won its maiden Champions Trophy silver medal, which propelled them to No. 5 in the FIH rankings - India's best standing since 2004.
Despite maintaining an upper hand throughout the match, India let the opponents (Ireland) score two goals in the final quarter.
In Women's division, Japan claims victory over India in the semi-final stage as they beat the Blue's 2-0 in the Hockey World League.
Argentina were too quick for India as they attacked right from the start. India drew a blank as they were left defenseless in the Semi-Finals and will face England in the Quarter-finals tomorrow.
Preeti's 38th-minute goal ensured India earned their first win in the tournament after a goalless draw against South Africa and a 1-4 loss to the mighty USA in their previous matches.
India came up with an improvised attack in the second quarter however the US didn't fumble when provided with the chances in the last 20 minutes of the game
An Olympic berth may not be confirmed yet as India pull out of the Pro League in both the Men's and Women's division.
Speculations suggest that the Hockey Indian League (HIL) league might not continue in 2018 due to financial concerns. Officials have stated regarding the matter.
As per some media reports, Hockey India has informed the International Hockey Federation (FIH) that there will be no HIL in 2018 because of financial concerns related to some franchises.
Sreejesh will miss the Asia Cup but we will try our best to make him fully fit before the all-important Hockey World League Final in December, says India's High-Performance Director David John.
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