‘Qualifying for last-8 first step’
Having achieved the target of a podium finish at the Champions Trophy in London, India’s men’s hockey team chief coach Roelant Oltmans has now set his eyes on his next big goal — the Rio Olympics.

Having achieved the target of a podium finish at the Champions Trophy in London, India’s men’s hockey team chief coach Roelant Oltmans has now set his eyes on his next big goal — the Rio Olympics.
As the team returned home following back-to-back tournaments in London and Valencia, Oltmans said a quarter-final berth would be their “first aim” at the Olympics.
“I am pleased with the team’s performance in London and Spain, but the hard part begins now.
“After a week’s break, we will hit the final stage of preparations. Reaching the quarter-finals will be the first aim for Rio.
“After that it is the knockouts, so we will have to be at our consistent best and that is what we will aim for,” Oltmans said here on Tuesday.
The silver medal in London was India’s best-ever performance in the Champions Trophy, surpassing the bronze in the 1982 edition of the tournament, while they finished fifth in Valencia.
The think-tank will now have the “difficult task” of picking the final 16 for the Games, the announcement for which will be made here on July 12.
Oltmans conceded that it was the “toughest part” of his job, adding that the best 16 would make the cut.
Goalkeeper P R Sreejesh, who captained the side in the Champions Trophy, said the team are focused on producing a good show at Rio.
“It feels good to return home with a medal. It gives us belief and confidence, but we understand that we have to put in a lot more effort for the Olympics.
“We want to ensure a strong showing in Rio so that we can make our supporters proud,” Sreejesh said.