Marijne Chooses Reality Over Promises in Indian Women's Hockey Rebuilding Phase
In a crucial year filled with marquee events, Indian women's hockey team head coach Sjoerd Marijne is opting for a grounded, realistic approach rather than making lofty promises. The Dutch coach, back for his third coaching stint in India and his second with the women's team, has shifted his immediate focus to rebuilding the squad. His priorities include aligning the players, restoring trust, and re-establishing a collective culture that fosters unity and hard work.
Addressing Lingering Issues and Past Challenges
Marijne finds himself in a situation reminiscent of the one he inherited in 2017, with issues such as groupism, internal friction, fitness concerns, and a trust deficit still lingering. These challenges have been compounded by the bitter exit of his predecessor, Harendra Singh. However, Marijne's message to the team is unequivocal: he is here to build a cohesive unit, not to run a punitive boot camp.
"I've told the girls that what happened in the past is the past. We don't have to be best friends. We can have fun together, but we also have to work really hard together," Marijne stated during his first media interaction on Wednesday. "For me, it's about performance and behaviour. I also feel the girls need moments where they have joy and enjoy what they're doing. It's not a punishment camp. The most important thing is to create a unit and bring back the culture of working together," he emphasized.
Improved Conditions and Fitness Levels
Marijne believes the current group of players is significantly better equipped than the one he started with nearly nine years ago. He highlighted that conditions have improved substantially, with fitness levels far ahead of where they were in 2017. "The fitness is much further than in 2017. Back then, we started at a very low level in terms of intensity and tactics. There has been a lot of improvement," he noted.
He added that the progress made from 2017 to 2021 has been continued, albeit with different coaching styles. "Not everything the way I would do it, but every coach is different. There's much better quality than in the past. Also, speed and agility are much better," Marijne observed, expressing optimism about the team's enhanced physical capabilities.
Enhanced Communication and Support Staff
Another positive change Marijne pointed out is the improved communication skills among the players. "Another big difference is that nearly 80 per cent of the girls speak English, maybe even more. When I ask questions now, I get more responses than before. Many of them are also studying," he said, indicating better engagement and understanding within the team.
With several senior players dealing with injuries and fitness concerns, Marijne made the inclusion of Wayne Lombard in the support staff a key condition before rejoining. Lombard, who returns as scientific advisor and head of athletic performance, played a pivotal role in transforming the team's fitness culture during Marijne's earlier tenure. "Strength was not high on the list in the past. That's something we are bringing back. I can't judge the players when their fitness is not good. First, we are helping them, and when their fitness is good, we can assess how they perform," Marijne explained, underscoring the importance of a solid fitness foundation.
Focus on Performance Over Reputation
As the team sets its sights on qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Marijne has made it clear that reputations will carry no weight in selection or training. "All 29 players in the squad are important to me. There will be no special attention for captains or seniors," he asserted. "There's very good talent, a strong mix of youth and experience, and everyone has to fight for their position," added Marijne, who led India to a landmark fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics.
His first assignment with the team will be next month's World Cup qualifiers in Hyderabad, where the rebuilt squad will have an early opportunity to demonstrate their progress and unity under his guidance.
