New Delhi: Dutchman Sjoerd Marijne has been reappointed chief coach of the Indian women’s hockey team. He returns to the squad after 4.5 years for a third stint with the national team.
The 51-year-old, who was associated with the Indian women’s team from 2017 to 2021, guided the Indian side to a historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
“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 wrote on X.
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. @TheHockeyIndia @sports_odisha pic.twitter.com/S2DQrsUIkj
— Sjoerd Marijne (@SjoerdMarijne) January 2, 2026
The Dutchman first took charge of the Indian women’s hockey team in 2017. The squad was not in great shape and had struggled on the world stage for years. They lacked both structure and consistency in basic skills such as running, passing and goal scoring.
Under Marijne’s guidance, however, the team went on to achieve its highest Olympic finish ever, reaching fourth place at the Tokyo Games in 2021, a historic performance. India also broke into the top-10 of the world rankings for the first time.
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey welcomed Marijne, and the entire support staff to the Indian Hockey family. In his statement, he extended gratitude to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and Sports Authority of India for expediting the appointment in order to ensure the team’s preparations for the upcoming world cup qualifiers are not hampered. Tirkey added that fitness would be a key focus in Marijne’s tenure.
“Emphasis has been laid on the fitness of the team, which was one of the key reasons for the Indian women’s historic performance in Tokyo. We look forward to a fruitful stint,” Tirkey said.
Hockey India Secretary-General Bhola Nath Singh said Marijne understands the team and many players in the core group have already played under him. Therefore, expectations are high.
“We now expect this team to perform well, especially with the Asian Games coming up and the world cup qualifier,” Singh added.
Turbulence in the team
Marijne’s reappointment comes at a turbulent time for the squad, which is now in the same situation it was when the Dutchman first took over in 2017.
The previous head coach, Harendra Singh, resigned in December 2025 citing “personal reasons”. Singh had taken over in April 2024. While he led India to the Asian Champions Trophy title in late 2024, the team’s overall performance has been questioned.
India finished last in the FIH Pro League 2024-25, winning just two of 16 matches, and later lost the Asia Cup final to China, placing the team’s qualification for the 2026 FIH Women’s World Cup in jeopardy.
There were also allegations by players of high-handed coaching methods, favouritism and a breakdown of trust and unity.
While Singh cited personal reasons, multiple reports suggest that his departure was triggered after players filed a complaint to the sports ministry and Hockey India officials.
According to Hockey India, Marijne will be supported by a team, including Argentine great Matias Vila as analytical coach and Dr. Wayne Lombard as scientific adviser and head of athletic performance.
Marijne and company’s first assignment will be the Women’s World Cup Qualifiers in Hyderabad, from 8 to 14 March.
(Edited by Viny Mishra)
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