 "Roelant Oltmans has worked with the Pakistan senior and junior teams in the past. PTI File Photo")
Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has approached former India coach Roelant Oltmans to take charge of the national team. Oltmans had helmed the Indian hockey team for nearly five years.
The crisis-ridden and cash-strapped PHF, which has now split into two bodies, has asked Oltmans to coach the Pakistan team in the the Azlan Shah Cup and the Nations Cup, set to be played in Malaysia and Poland respectively in May-June.
Dutchman Oltmans was initially appointed as India’s High Performance Director in 2013 and played a key role in reviving Indian hockey before taking up the position of men’s teams chief coach in 2015. He led the team until 2017 before being sacked for “lack of results” .
Rana Mujahid, secretary of one faction of the PHF, confirmed approaching Oltmans who has been with the Pakistan team before and coached the juniors last year. Meanwhile, Haider Hussain, secretary of the other group, warned the federation could face suspension from the sport’s international body (FIH).
Flanked by former Olympians Kaleemullah, Wasim Feroze, Nasir Ali and Hanif Khan, Hussain tried to make it clear only his federation was recognized by the FIH.
“The organisers of the two events have now apologised to us for mistakenly sending the invitations to Lahore stadium. But we are the only recognised body and only we can send teams to these tournaments,” he said.
The PHF secretary and former Olympians sought Prime Minister’s intervention to clear the controversy over PHF, failing which they could be suspended by FIH.
Oltmans has worked with the Pakistan senior and junior sides since 2004 and was involved with the youth side in his most recent stint. “If he accepts the terms and conditions the PHF will hire him for the two tournaments,” Mujahid said.
One faction of the federation, headed by politician Shehla Reza, is working out of the Karachi camp office at the hockey club stadium. The other body is based at the PHF headquarters in Lahore. This faction is also headed by a politician (Mir Tariq Bugti).
The bodies are looking to set up the national side’s training camp in Karachi or Islamabad from 15 April for the two tournaments.