Sjoerd Marijne Returns: Can He Revive India's Women's Hockey Team?

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New Delhi, India - In a move aimed at reviving India's struggling women's hockey team, Hockey India (HI) has appointed Sjoerd Marijne as the chief coach for the third time. The Dutchman's return comes after a tumultuous period, marked by a slump in performance and a failed bid for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Marijne's first stint with the team in 2017 laid the foundation for their historic fourth-place finish at Tokyo 2021. He identified key players, such as Vandana Katariya and Rani Rampal, and gave them important responsibilities. However, his departure in 2021 led to a transition phase, during which the team failed to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Former coach Harendra Singh's attempt to bring in changes also ended in failure, with India finishing ninth in the Pro League and getting relegated to the Nations Cup. The team's poor performance and reported rifts among players led to Harendra's resignation last month. Marijne's return has been welcomed by the team, with members having recommended his name due to his record and relationship with the players. However, the Dutchman faces a daunting task, as he inherits a very different team from the one he led in 2017. Several key players, including Rani, Vandana, and Deep, have either retired or faded away. Marijne will be supported by a new support staff, including former Argentina player Matias Vila and Wayne Lombard, who will serve as scientific advisor and head of athletic performance. Lombard's expertise in making the Indian women fitter, stronger, and faster will be crucial in helping the team qualify for the World Cup in Netherlands and Belgium. The team's immediate challenge will be to qualify for the World Cup via the FIH World Cup Qualifiers in Hyderabad from March 8-14. If they fail to do so, they risk entering a dark age in Indian women's hockey, completely cut off from elite competition. With the Asian Games in Japan also on the horizon, which is a qualifier for LA 2028, the stakes are high for Marijne and the team. "We welcome Sjoerd Marijne and the entire support staff to the Indian hockey family," said HI president Dilip Tirkey. "We look forward to a fruitful stint and hope that Marijne can help the team turn the corner again.