In a surprising move, women’s national team coach Sjoerd Marijne has been named as the head coach of the men’s team. The decision was announced by newly appointed Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore on his official twitter handle. Marijne will take charge on September 20th after returning from an ongoing Europe with the women's team.

The decisions were announced by newly-appointed Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore on his official twitter page.

Pleased to announce appt of Sh Harendra Singh, Dronacharya Award winner,as High Performance Specialist Coach fr Indian Snr Women Hockey Team

— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) September 8, 2017

Current Chief Coach of Indian Senior Women Hockey Team, Mr. Waltherus Marijne,will take over as Chief Coach of Indian Senior Men Hockey Team

— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) September 8, 2017

The Olympic silver medalist also confirmed that Harendra Singh will take over as the High-Performance Specialist coach for the women’s national team and will start his role from tomorrow itself (9th September).

The appointment of the Dutchman came as a shock because there was looking for Oltman’s successor, posting an advertisement on the official website which was visible just three days ago with September 12 set as the deadline to apply for the post.

"The advertisement has been withdrawn as both HI and the Sports Authority of India felt Marijne is the best candidate for the job having spent more than six months in the country,"

According to reports, the 43-year-old was initially reluctant to take up the role as he has never worked with a national men’s team before but he agreed after HI and SAI convinced him.

The position for the top post was vacant after Oltmans was sacked last Saturday following poor performances in the recent past. Oltmans Oltmans came to India four years ago as a High-Performance Director before assuming the role of the coach in 2015 following Paul van Ass' removal.