Sjoerd Marijne is back, and he’s not interested in small talk. Officially beginning his third stint with Indian hockey, taking over a women’s team currently grappling with internal rifts and a string of poor results. The 51-year-old Dutchman, who famously led the side to a fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics, replaces Harendra Singh with a clear, uncompromising mandate: to create a unit.
Addressing the media for the first time on Wednesday, Marijne was blunt about the culture he intends to foster. His remarks underscored a departure from the "punishment camp" atmosphere and allegations of favouritism that reportedly plagued the team’s recent past.
Culture over friendship: "We don’t have to be best friends, but still we can have fun; it’s all about performance," Marijne stated.
A "Performance" camp: He emphasized that the training environment would be task-driven and respectful, rather than punitive.
Improved communication: Marijne highlighted that 80% of the squad now speaks English, allowing for direct, question-and-answer style coaching that was impossible nearly a decade ago.
Never in my life have I seen a punishment camp win a medal. One unit, discipline, and a task-driven approach will win you medals. My first step is bringing back the culture of working together.
Sjoerd Marijne, Indian Women's Hockey Coach
One of Marijne’s non-negotiable conditions for returning was the reinstatement of Wayne Lombard as the scientific advisor. The duo previously transformed the team's physical profile, and they are now prioritizing "strength": an area Marijne believes was neglected in the last year.
Injury management: Marijne noted that several players are currently carrying injuries. He has frozen evaluations until the players reach a specific fitness threshold.
The HIL impact: The coach is looking to integrate young talent from the Hockey India League, noting that playing alongside international stars has given youngsters the "pressure-testing" they previously lacked.
While the long-term goal is the 2028 Olympics, Marijne is adopting a "step-by-step" approach to navigate a crowded 2026 calendar.
Marijne has made it clear that "what happened in the past is the past." He intends to treat all 29 players in the core probables equally, demanding that senior players lead by example rather than by reputation. Having spent the last four years refreshing his own energy with his family, Marijne claims he feels no pressure from external expectations, but, only the pressure he puts on himself to deliver.
