Indian Women's Hockey Team Welcomes Taeke Taekema for Specialized Training

The Indian Women's Hockey Team has enlisted the expertise of legendary Dutch dragflicker Taeke Taekema for a specialized training camp aimed at enhancing their skills in dragflicking and penalty-corner execution. This initiative, supported by Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation, comes as the team prepares for the FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup in New Zealand. With key players participating in focused training sessions, the team aims to improve their attacking efficiency ahead of a crucial international season. Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne emphasizes the importance of Taekema's experience in maximizing the team's potential.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 2, 2026, 14:55 IST

Expert Guidance for Enhanced Performance

Renowned Dutch dragflicker Taeke Taekema has joined the Senior Indian Women's Hockey Team for a specialized training camp aimed at improving dragflicking and penalty-corner execution. This training will take place during the team's tour of Australia and New Zealand from May 26 to June 21, 2026. Taekema's expertise is expected to refine the skills of the Indian dragflickers as they gear up for the FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup in New Zealand, scheduled for June 15-21, 2026, under the guidance of Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne.

Focused Training for Key Players

The training sessions will involve Indian dragflickers Deepika, Lalthantluangi, and Annu, focusing on enhancing penalty-corner conversions and overall attacking strategies ahead of a significant international season. Taekema, a former Netherlands international, is celebrated for his exceptional dragflicking skills and has represented his country in numerous prestigious tournaments, including the Olympics and FIH Hockey World Cups, amassing over 200 appearances and 221 international goals.

Corporate Support for Women's Hockey

This initiative is backed by Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation, which continues to support the advancement of women's hockey in India. Anandana previously facilitated a specialized goalkeeping camp for the Indian Women's Hockey Team, led by esteemed coach David Williamson in Bengaluru, prior to their journey to Australia.

Preparation for the Nations Cup

In preparation for the FIH Women's Nations Cup in Auckland, the Indian team engaged in a friendly series of four matches against Australia at the Perth Hockey Stadium from May 26 to May 30, 2026. The series concluded in a 2-2 draw, with both teams winning two matches each.

The Indian squad is set to arrive in New Zealand on June 3, where they will continue their preparations with additional practice matches leading up to the Nations Cup.

Insights from the Chief Coach

Sjoerd Marijne, the Chief Coach of the Indian Women's Hockey Team, expressed the significance of Taekema's involvement, stating, "Penalty corners are vital in modern hockey, and having someone with Taeke Taekema's experience will be invaluable for us. His role will extend beyond dragflicking, contributing to our defensive strategies as well. We aim to leverage his full potential with the team."

"Having coached him, I understand his approach well, and his experience as a former elite player will be crucial for our squad. We already possess talented dragflickers and a strong striker in Navneet Kaur. Maximizing our penalty-corner opportunities is essential, and this camp will undoubtedly enhance our capabilities in that regard," Marijne added.