Roelant Oltmans has taken over the coaching mantle of the India team after the resignation of Terry Walsh. His responsibilities have doubled as he will now have to also fulfil his role as high performance director of Indian hockey. Oltmans, however, is ready for the challenge and he quite optimistic about India’s chances in the upcoming Champions Trophy hockey tournament starting December 6 in Bhubaneswar. Rajendra Prasad Mohapatra caught up with him. Excerpts
India have recently won a Test series against defending champions Australia. It has given the team a lot of confidence. The team has improved quite substantially. However, the real test of the squad will happen now when they play against the top teams. It will be measure the scale of our progress.
How do you rate India’s chances in the Champions Trophy?
We are in a group having Germany and the surprise of World Cup, Argentina. So it will be tough from day one. Our momentum will depend upon how we perform against Germany, who we play in our inaugural match. We have a lot of potential. If we translate our potential into performance, then I will not be surprised if India win the coveted trophy.
Any particular aspect of the game that the India are trying to improve?
See, we are a pretty improved unit now. Since my stint with the Indian team we are learning from every match. We have not repeated the mistakes of the World Cup in the Asian Games or against Australia in the Test Series. We used to concede late goals. We have rectified that defect now. We were concerned about fitness and we are working hard on it.
But the main issue for us is the poor penalty conversion rate. The top teams are a notch above us in this aspect. Modern games are not decided by field goals, rather by penalty corner conversions. We are practicing hard on it. Agility and endurance are becoming more and more important. The defence is still a bit up and down and it is one of the areas we will also have to improve upon.
Will Terry Walsh’s absence affect the team?
See, it’s not a matter of one tournament or match. Terry and I were working jointly on a long- term goal. We had our plans and strategies in place and were working according to them. Terry has his issues and so he left. But now we have to take Indian hockey forward and carry on the good work which Terry has left for us. The team will certainly miss him, but we have to move on.
You are working as the high performance director of Hockey India. Now you have to double the role as the coach of the team. Is it taking a toll on you?
No, not at all. Rather I am enjoying my double role quiet well. I am with the Indian team for quite some time now. I know all the players and the system as well. So, I am confident enough to deliver.
India has only recently performed well against the Asian countries, but against the Europeans we are not that a confident unit.
Yes, We need to play against the powerhouses of the game like Germany, Australia and the Netherlands on a regular basis to understand our potential and the subtle nuances of the game, on which we have to improve upon.
How is the ambience in Bhubaneswar?
Well, the weather has been fantastic. The response of the audience to hockey is also awesome. Quite a few players have the experience of playing in the Hockey India League here. So, I am looking forward for a great tournament.