Sjoerd Marijne Returns to Helm Indian Women's Hockey Team with Olympic Vision
NEW DELHI: After a four-year absence, Sjoerd Marijne has resumed his role as chief coach of the Indian women's hockey team, bringing with him a clear mission to rebuild team unity, discipline, and culture. The Dutch tactician, who previously guided the squad to a historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics, has set his sights on securing qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Games as his ultimate objective.
Restoring Foundations and Building for the Future
Marijne, who replaces Harendra Singh following India's disappointing last-place finish in the FIH Pro League and subsequent relegation to the Nations Cup, emphasized his immediate priorities during a virtual press conference. "My main focus is to create a unit, that's very important, and bring back the culture," he stated. "Working together as a team, bringing over my knowledge in a short time before the World Cup qualifiers—that is going to be a big challenge."
The 51-year-old coach highlighted the significant improvements he has observed since his initial tenure from 2017 to 2021. "The quality I saw now in practice matches is much higher. The conditions are much better, fitness is better," Marijne noted. "In 2017, when I joined, the level was low, but over the years it has improved. There is much more quality now than when I started—they have speed. When I ask questions I get more replies because 80 percent of the girls now speak English, they are studying. Everything has improved."
Strategic Approach to Olympic Qualification
Marijne outlined a methodical, step-by-step strategy to navigate the team through a packed international calendar. "It's a step-by-step approach for me. First the World Cup qualifiers and then Nations Cup," he explained. "I know what needs to be done. I know how I want to see the team in 2028. All 29 players in the squad are important for me. I told them what happened in the past is past."
The coach's philosophy centers on performance-driven collaboration. "I am very clear and direct with them. We don't have to be best friends, but still we can have fun—it's all about performance. They should enjoy what they are doing," Marijne emphasized.
He revealed that he began scouting players immediately after accepting the position. "The moment I knew I would take the job, I saw a lot of matches, took note of young players who have come from Hockey India League. That HIL exposure of playing with international players and also under pressure was much needed for youngsters. But they need to fight for places."
Navigating a Packed Tournament Schedule
The Indian women's team faces a demanding itinerary, beginning with the FIH Women's World Cup Qualifier in Hyderabad from March 8–14, followed by the Asian Games in 2026 and other major tournaments in the Olympic cycle. "The aim is to qualify for Los Angeles, and for me it's a very, very nice and big challenge," Marijne acknowledged. "It won't be easy to achieve because other countries have also developed. The challenge is that so many tournaments are lined up, and so I have kept a big squad of 29."
He identified the Asian Games as particularly crucial. "Every tournament is important, but at the end, it is the Asian Games as it is an Olympic qualifier. World Cup is also important," Marijne said. "It's about tournament to tournament. Everybody deserves to play Asian Games, World Cup, but I need to first identify the best from the qualifiers. After that we will have a small break and then go on Argentina and USA tour. The main thing is consistent performances."
With India having failed to qualify through the Asia Cup, the World Cup qualifiers now represent the primary pathway to the global showpiece event.
Leadership Development and Squad Dynamics
Marijne stressed the importance of cultivating leadership within the team. "I believe in a leadership group and I keep on working on that because leaders have to lead by example, show right behavior, discipline. If that's not happening with the leaders it's not working. We have spoken about that with the team," he explained.
The coach expressed satisfaction with the emerging talent, having selected six junior players based on performance. "I am very happy with the talent. The challenge for young players is that the level is up and down, but they will get time for development. Seniors have to make them better—the better the juniors, the seniors also will have to be better."
Personal Renewal and Connection to India
Marijne shared that his time away from coaching allowed for personal rejuvenation. "In the last four-five years I only worked for one year for a club team, and then I worked behind the scenes. Then Hockey India came with a question if I was interested to do something for them. I felt okay, I felt I got the energy back. From that moment I felt this was a good decision and I am ready for it," he recounted. "I needed time with family which refreshed me. My family also backed my decision."
His deep connection to Indian hockey played a significant role in his return. "I feel so much respected here and very thankful to be here. India has always been my second country and I am very happy to be here. The good thing is I know how to work in India, I know Indian coaches, SAI, HI, so it feels a little bit like homecoming."
Looking Forward Without Past Burdens
When asked about his predecessors, Marijne maintained a diplomatic stance. "I am not in a position to judge previous coaches, that's not my style. I can't judge from outside. A lot of things went well, a lot didn't," he remarked.
The coach also dismissed any pressure from past achievements. "No, I don't feel pressure and the reason is I am not focusing on my past. I can't control expectations—the only thing I can control is training sessions, my staff, players. The pressure I feel is more myself. I am demanding the best out of myself. The better I am myself, the better the team will be."
As Marijne embarks on his second stint with the Indian women's hockey team, his blend of tactical acumen, cultural understanding, and renewed energy positions him as a pivotal figure in India's quest for Olympic glory in Los Angeles 2028.
