Roelant Oltmans has done a remarkable job after being entrusted with the Indian men’s hockey team head coach responsibility. The celebrated Dutchman has weathered difficult times in the hot seat after twice taking over as the coach on a stop-gap basis after the Aussie duo of Michael Nobbs and Terry Walsh left abruptly.
His elevation as head coach was also after an abrupt exit of another foreign coach – his countryman Paul van Ass last year. As he guides the Indian team’s Rio Olympic preparations, let us take a close look at how Roelant Oltmans has performed as the Indian men’s team head coach since taking charge.
Also Read: Roelant Oltmans: The Coach with the Midas touch
Debut as India Coach: 2013 Asia Cup in Ipoh, where India finished runners losing to Korea 3-4 in the final – he took over as a stop-gap coach after Michael Nobbs quit the job.
Another Stop-gap Responsibility: 2014 Champions Trophy in Bhubaneshwar – again Oltmans took charge after Terry Walsh quit the job.
First Stint as Full-Fledged India coach: 2015 European Tour of France and Spain, where India won four out of the five games.
Biggest India win under Oltmans as the coach: Beating Bangladesh 9-1 at the 2013 Asia Cup in Ipoh.
Biggest India defeat under Oltmans as coach: Losing to Australia 1-5 at 2016 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
Most Stunning India win under Oltmans as coach: Beating the Netherlands 3-2 in 2014 Champions Trophy in Bhubaneshwar – their first win in 18 years – last win came at the 1996 Olympic qualifying tournament.
Players making debuts under Oltmans as coach: Ramandeep Singh and Nikkin Thimmaiah at 2013 Asia Cup – Harjeet Singh, Harmapreet Singh and Akash Chikte at 2016 Azlan Shah Cup – Vikas Dahiya at Six Nations Event in Spain.
Win-Loss Record (India coach 2015 July till date – stop-gap in September 2013 and December 2014)
Matches Coached: 47
Won: 22
Lost: 19
Draws: 6
