Australian Terry Walsh is expected to take over as men’s team coach, with Hockey India’s high performance and development committee and the Sports Authority of India meeting here this week.
High performance manager Roelant Oltmans of Holland has been on the lookout for an overseas coach, since the sacking of Australian Michael Nobbs two months ago.
Confirmed a committee member, “We have zeroed in on one name and the recommendation has been sent to the Sports Authority of India.
“Terry Walsh is a renowned name in world hockey and his credentials speak for themselves. He is a cut above the rest.”
There were five applications in all, it is learnt, three from Australia and two from Holland. “The coach will be given a contract till the Rio Olympics. India have to begin preparations for the World Cup and a four-year programme is the need of the hour,” the official said.
Double Olympian Walsh was a member of the Australian 1976 silver medallist team, and later coached the Kookaburras, when they took a bronze at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Later, he got involved with Holland, guiding the team to a silver at the 2004 Athens Games.
Oltmans filled in as chief coach for the recent Asia Cup tournament, helping India qualify for the showcase event next year. But given that India head into a crucial year — with the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games, besides the World Cup scheduled for 2014 — the Dutchman emphasised on the need to hire a sharp head at the top.
“That was my immediate priority (to look for a coach) after we finished our Asia Cup assignment in Ipoh, Malaysia. It was clear that I could not carry on in two capacities, as a high performance director and a coach, and we have been discussing a few candidates,” said Oltmans.
“I will reach India soon to finalise the details.”
The committee has also decided to appoint two scientific advisors — one each for the senior and junior squads — and the announcements are expected soon.