Sjoerd Marijne reappointed India women’s hockey coach ahead of World Cup qualifiers

Sjoerd Marijne has been reappointed as India women’s hockey coach, five years after guiding the team to a historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics. His first major challenge will be the World Cup qualifiers in Hyderabad from March 8 to 14

New Delhi: Dutchman Sjoerd Marijne was on Friday reappointed as the chief coach of India’s women’s hockey team, five years after guiding the side to a historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics, following which it endured a difficult transition phase.

Marijne replaces Harendra Singh, who resigned in December last year after the team’s underwhelming results and allegations of a “high-handed coaching approach.”

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The 51-year-old Marijne, associated with the team from 2017 to 2021, will be supported by Matias Vila as analytical coach. Also returning to the Indian hockey set-up is South African Wayne Lombard, who will once again serve as scientific advisor and head of athletic performance.

“It’s great to be back. After 4.5 years, I return with fresh energy and a clear vision to support the team’s growth and help the players achieve their full potential on the world stage,” Marijne said in a Hockey India release.

Marijne, credited for building a cohesive unit that celebrated collective success, quit after the Tokyo Games citing family reasons. During his tenure, India also broke into the top 10 of world rankings.

Vila, a former Argentina midfielder, represented his country at the 2000 and 2004 Olympics and has been involved in coaching for over two decades. Lombard will be supported by Rodet Yila and Ciara Yila, both serving as scientific advisors.

Addressing Transition Woes

After the Tokyo high, the team faced a challenging transition as key players like injury-hit captain Rani Rampal, Vandana Katariya and Deep Grace Ekka retired. The women’s team failed to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics but won bronze medals at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2023 Asian Games. They also clinched silver at last year’s Asia Cup but missed direct qualification for the World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands.

India managed just two wins from 16 games in the elite FIH Pro League last year, leading to relegation to the Nations Cup.

Marijne’s first major challenge will be the World Cup Qualifiers in Hyderabad, Telangana from March 8 to 14. He will arrive in India on January 14, with the National Coaching Camp beginning January 19 at SAI, Bengaluru.

“We welcome Sjoerd Marijne and the entire support staff to the Indian Hockey family,” Hockey India President Dr Dilip Tirkey said.
“We extend our gratitude to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) and Sports Authority of India (SAI) for expediting the appointment to ensure the team’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers are not hampered. Emphasis has been laid on fitness, which was a key reason for the team’s historic performance in Tokyo. We look forward to a fruitful stint,” he added.