500 fine for tardiness!

These are days of demonetisation and India's hockey players are 'extra cautious' with their hard earned cash with strict disciplinarian Roelant Oltmans imposing a fine of Rs 500 on any player, who is late for their training sessions, get-togethers or official functions.

Discipline and no-nonsense approach have been two key principles in Oltmans' approach and many feel that it has worked wonders for Indian hockey as the team is now ranked 6th in the world.

"Oltmans is a strict disciplinarian on and off the field and he expects the same from the players. Anyone who is late for team meetings, get-togethers, official functions, video sessions or even the team dinner, he fines them Rs 500," a source associated with the Indian team told PTI on the sidelines of the ongoing men's Junior Hockey World Cup here.

"It is his way to make everyone realise that discipline and punctuality are key to success," added the source.

The amount which is collected from fines later spent on food and drinks during team outings. The rule is strictly enforced for the senior team while the juniors have been given some leeway.