Sjoerd Marijne returns as chief coach of Indian women’s hockey team

Hockey India on Friday confirmed the return of Sjoerd Marijne as chief coach of the national women’s hockey team, bringing back the Dutch tactician who oversaw one of the most memorable phases in the team’s history.

Marijne rejoins the Indian set-up after previously guiding the side to a historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympic Games, marking only the team’s second appearance at the Olympics in over 36 years. His earlier tenure between 2017 and 2021 also saw India break into the top 10 of the world rankings.

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The Dutch coach will be supported by Matias Vila, who has been appointed as analytical coach. A former Argentina midfielder, Vila made his international debut in 1997 and represented his country at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the 2004 Athens Olympics, before moving into coaching over the past two decades.

Hockey India also announced the return of experienced performance staff to strengthen the backroom set-up.

“Also making his return to the Indian hockey scene is Wayne Lombard, as Scientific Advisor and Head of Athletic Performance. He will be supported by Rodet Yila and Ciara Yila, both in the role of scientific advisor,” Hockey India said in a release.

Expressing his enthusiasm on rejoining the team, Marijne said he was eager to build on the foundation laid during his previous stint.

“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,” he said.

Marijne’s immediate focus will be on the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup Qualifiers, scheduled to be held in Hyderabad, Telangana, from March 8 to 14. He is set to arrive in India on January 14, with the national coaching camp beginning on January 19 at SAI, Bengaluru.

Welcoming the appointment, Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey highlighted the importance of timely planning and fitness.

“We extend our gratitude to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) and Sports Authority of India (SAI) for expediting the appointment in order to ensure the team’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers are not hampered. 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 echoed similar sentiments, underlining Marijne’s familiarity with the squad.

“We wish Sjoerd Marijne and the rest of the support staff the very best in their endeavours. Sjoerd comes with the understanding of the team; many players in the core group have already played under him. We now expect this team to perform well, especially with the Asian Games coming up and the World Cup Qualifier,” Singh said.