Hockey India announced the return of Sjoerd Marijne as the chief coach of the Indian women’s hockey team. The Dutch coach is back with the national side after his successful stint during the Tokyo Olympics, where India finished fourth, which was their best-ever result in only their second Olympic appearance in more than 36 years.
Hockey India support staff
Marijne will be supported by Matias Vila, who has been appointed as the analytical coach. Vila is a former Argentine midfielder who made his international debut in 1997 and represented his country at the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Olympic Games. He has been part of the coaching circuit for over 20 years.
Also returning to the Indian setup is Wayne Lombard, who will take on the role of Scientific Advisor and Head of Athletic Performance. He will be assisted by Rodet Yila and Ciara Yila, both of whom have been named scientific advisors, Hockey India confirmed in its statement.
Sjoerd Marijne on comeback
Sharing his thoughts on his comeback, Marijne said he was delighted to be back in India after more than four years. He recalled the progress the team made between 2017 and 2021, when India climbed into the top 10 of the world rankings.
“I’m excited to return with fresh energy and a clear plan to help the players grow and perform at their best on the international stage,” he said.
Marijne’s first major assignment will be the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup Qualifiers, scheduled to take place in Hyderabad from March 8 to 14. He will arrive in India on January 14, with the national coaching camp beginning on January 19 at SAI, Bengaluru.
Hockey India President for Marijne
Welcoming Marijne back, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey thanked the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India for fast-tracking the appointment. He highlighted fitness as a key factor behind India’s strong showing at the Tokyo Olympics and expressed confidence that the team’s preparations for the upcoming qualifiers would remain on track.
Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh for support staff
Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh also extended his best wishes to Marijne and the support staff. He noted that many players in the current squad are already familiar with Marijne’s methods and said the team is expected to deliver strong performances in the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers and the Asian Games.