New Delhi: From head coach Terry Walsh to officials, everyone might have written off India’s chances of a podium at the upcoming Hockey World Cup, but high performance director Roelant Oltmans feels they can spring a surprise.
While Hockey India and Walsh are not aiming higher than a top-eight finish in the mega event beginning in The Hague in the Netherlands from May 31, renowned Dutch coach Oltmans says India are capable of producing an unexpected result.
“If we are able to make sure we don’t crack in the final phase of the game and score goals rather than conceding like we have done in the past, we are capable of springing a surprise. The boys have worked hard,” Oltmans, who coached the Dutch to an Olympic and World Cup title, told PTI.
He, however, defended Walsh and others for not aiming higher in the competition; India finished eighth out of 12 teams in 2010.
India, ranked eighth, are in Group A with Australia (World No. 1), Spain (10), Belgium (5), England (4) and Malaysia (13). (PTI)