Indian women’s hockey team coach Sjoerd Marijne (PTI Photo/Swapan Mahapatra) Bengaluru: Sjoerd Marijn’s return as head coach of the Indian women’s hockey team marks not only a reset but also an attempt at damage control after weeks of turmoil. The Dutchman replaces Harendra Singh, whose sudden resignation last month followed player complaints of alleged harassment and overbearing behaviour. The moment Harendra stepped down, Marijne’s name emerged as a front-runner – a familiar figure at a time when stability had become an urgent need. The challenge that awaits him this time is steeper. The team is at a crossroads, morale is shaken and several senior players are struggling for form. Marijne, who has not held a major national coaching role in the meantime, returns with a contract running until the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. He is expected to arrive in India on January 14 and formally take charge on January 19 when the team regroups at the SAI South Center here. His immediate task will be to stabilize the dressing room, restore confidence and restore role clarity ahead of a crucial season. Despite interest from other candidates, including a former Indian international who is currently training overseas, Hockey India opted for a proven hand and put their faith in the 54-year-old. Several core group members are believed to have supported Marijne during discussions with HI following Harendra’s departure. Marijna’s credentials in the Indian team are certainly impressive. He led Indian women to the semi-finals of the 2017 World League, silver medals at the Asian Champions Trophy and the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games and most memorably to a historic semi-final at the Tokyo Olympics – the team’s best ever performance at the Games. He then decided not to renew his contract. Lombard returns HI fired the previous support staff, paving the way for Marijna to bring in her trusted behind-the-scenes team. Chief among them is South African Wayne Lombard, whose return as scientific adviser and head of sports performance is seen as a step towards restoring the fitness standards and discipline that defined the team’s rise. On his return, Marijne said: “It’s great to be back. After 4.5 years I return with fresh energy and a clear vision to support the growth of the team and help the players reach their full potential on the world stage.” The Dutchman’s first test will be the World Cup qualifiers, which are scheduled to take place in Hyderabad from March 8-14. With England, Scotland, Korea, Italy, Uruguay, Wales and Austria in contention, the qualifiers will offer an early indication of whether this familiar fixture can once again steady the ship.
