Oltmans wanted autonomy in selection, hefty pay cheque

Updated on: 02 July,2011 06:48 AM IST |
Ashwin Ferro | ashwin.ferro@mid-day.com

Despite having a much better CV of professional achievements both on and off the hockey pitch as compared to Australian Michael Nobbs, Dutchman Roelant Oltmans lost Indian hockey's top job as he attempted to change system

Despiteu00a0having a much better CV of professional achievements both on and off the hockey pitch as compared to Australian Michael Nobbs, Dutchman Roelant Oltmans lost Indian hockey's top job as he attempted to change
system.

Oltmans, it is learnt from a source, wanted "complete autonomy in selection of the team ufffd something which the sports ministry is dead against."

Roelant Oltmans

The Indian hockey team is traditionally picked following discussions between captain, coach and selectors, after which the list of players must be approved by a government nominee, who is appointed by the ministry.

Oltmans wanted a change in this approach. "He wanted to have the final word in team selection. He felt that if he is answerable for the team's success and failure, then he should also be solely responsible for the players chosen," a sports ministry insider revealed.

Furthermore, Oltmans also expected a higher pay cheque and more support staff. "Oltmans wanted around 10,000 Euros (approx Rs 7 lakh a month) while Nobbs settled for 10,000 AUS (approx 4 lakh a month).

Then, Oltmans also wanted to get along three support staffers, while Nobbs will be bringing in just one physio" added the source. All said and done, both would have had a similarly tough job on hand ufffd that of helping India qualify for the 2012 Olympics. And if Nobbs can deliver the goods in a short span of time, Indian hockey won't miss the ingenuity of Oltmans.