David John appointed as Hockey India's High Performance Director

David Ian John, former exercise physiologist of the Indian men's hockey team, was officially appointed as the High Performance Director of Hockey India on Tuesday.

John will take over the charge from Roelant Oltmans, who was relieved from the post after being named as the chief coach of the Indian men's hockey team till 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Reflecting on the appointment, Mohd. Mushtaque Ahmad, Secretary General of Hockey India said, "We welcome David's inclusion into a role that has over the years become one of great importance for Hockey India. A High Performance Director's role is one that is not just demanding in the present but also has to include a vision for the future. We are confident with David extensive experience and background in Sports Science that he along with the Chief Coaches for each of the Men and Women programmes that our athletes will have the best planning and assistance ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games. Added to this David's enthusiasm to develop and identify national talent that Indian hockey will go from strength to strength in the next Olympic cycle."

 

Meanwhile, John said the job comes with its own unique set of challenges, while adding that he hopes his previous experiences would help him in fulfilling the role well.

"The role comes with its own unique set of challenges. I am hopeful that my previous experience as well as the presence of people who share a deep and long history with the game in the country will help me fulfill my role. One of the crucial areas is the identification and nurturing of talent in the country and look to develop the team for the 2020 Games. I look forward to working towards that," he said.

John previously worked with the men's national team as the Physiologist/ Scientific Advisor prior to the London Olympics in 2012. In his role, he had implemented and introduced new strength and training programs for the Indian Men's Hockey Team.

He has also worked in a similar role, as a Performance Director for two teams of the Hockey India League, most recently for as Kalinga Lancers' High Performance Manager for the 2016 season where the team finished as runners up.

David also has the experience of working across sporting disciplines, including in Rugby, Australian Rules Football and Triathlons.