Sjoerd Marijne Emphasizes Team Unity and Fitness in Indian Women's Hockey Comeback
Dutch coach Sjoerd Marijne has returned for his third stint with the Indian women's hockey team, facing a critical mission to restore culture and trust after a period marked by allegations of infighting, multiple injuries, and a string of poor results that led to relegation. Marijne is clear about his primary goal: "To create a unit," he states plainly, highlighting that this is not just a coaching cliché but a real necessity given the team's recent challenges.
Addressing Past Issues and Building a Positive Environment
Marijne did not publicly detail all the team's internal problems, but he acknowledged the fragile state of the dressing room under previous coach Harendra Singh, who resigned in December citing personal reasons. Senior players had written to Hockey India and the Sports Ministry, outlining allegations of mental harassment, extreme pressure, and favoritism, with reports of a rift between the captain and vice-captain. In response, Marijne has taken a firm yet supportive approach, telling the players, "What happened in the past is the past. We don't have to be best friends. We have fun together but also work really hard together." He emphasizes that the camp should not feel like a punishment, aiming to foster joy and enjoyment in their work.
Improvements and Challenges Ahead
Despite the team's struggles, including missing the Paris Olympics and relegation from the Pro League, Marijne sees positive changes compared to his first stint in 2017. He notes that fitness levels, speed, agility, and communication have improved significantly, with players now more responsive in discussions. Facilities and food at the Sports Authority of India's Bengaluru Centre have also enhanced, aiding the team's preparation. However, Marijne cautions that achieving the heights of the Tokyo Olympics, where India finished fourth, will not be easy due to increased competition from other countries.
Focus on Fitness and Long-Term Goals
To address the injury concerns and low strength levels reported by players, Marijne has placed a heavy emphasis on fitness in his initial weeks back. Working alongside strength and conditioning coach Wayne Lombard, he is prioritizing building speed and endurance, recognizing that these are foundational for effective tactics. "Strength was not high on the list in the past. That's something we are bringing back," Marijne explains, adding that he is taking a calm approach to help players recover and perform at their best.
The ultimate goal remains clear: to create a cohesive unit with the Los Angeles Olympics as the target. Marijne's strategy involves democratizing team meetings, encouraging open expression, and rebuilding the team culture that once propelled them to success. As the team prepares for do-or-die World Cup qualifiers in Hyderabad, restoring trust and unity is seen as the first step toward unlocking their full potential and returning to elite competition.
