Roelant Oltmans Quits Pakistan Hockey Team Over Contract Dispute

Head coach Roelant Oltmans resigned from the Pakistan hockey team due to the absence of a long-term contract. Oltmans, who has been working with the team since earlier this year, was set to join them in China for the Asian Champions Trophy but opted out, highlighting the ongoing financial issues within the Pakistan Hockey Federation.

In a surprising turn of events, head coach Roelant Oltmans has ended his stint with the Pakistan hockey team, citing the lack of a long-term contract as his primary reason.

Oltmans, who started his tenure with the team earlier this year, was scheduled to join the squad directly in Hulunbuir, China, for the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy but pulled out at the last moment.

According to a source within the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), Oltmans communicated his decision, stating he is unwilling to continue under the current event-to-event contract structure and is seeking a more secure, long-term agreement.

The PHF has been facing financial difficulties, and the former Indian hockey team coach's demand for a stable contract adds more pressure on the organization. The internal strife is compounded by the captain, Ammad Butt, also clashing with local coaches accompanying the team to China.

The financial strain on the PHF is evident, with the Pakistan Sports Board denying a request for 50 million rupees to support 27 players and six officials for the Asian Champions Trophy. While the PSB did offer to cover air tickets for a limited number of players and officials, it fell short of the PHF's requirements.

This turmoil comes right before the six-team Asian Champions Trophy, scheduled from September 8 to 17, putting the Pakistan national team's preparations and prospects in jeopardy.

(With inputs from agencies.)