Sjoerd Marijne Prioritizes Fitness and Team Unity for Indian Women's Hockey

Sjoerd Marijne, the chief coach of the Indian women's hockey team, is prioritizing fitness and team unity as they prepare for the World Cup Qualifiers and Asian Games. With a focus on building strong team chemistry and enhancing individual fitness, Marijne aims to guide the team through significant upcoming competitions, including the LA 2028 Olympic cycle. His return to the program marks a pivotal moment for the team, as they work towards achieving their common goals. Discover more about Marijne's strategies and the team's preparations in the full article.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 5, 2026, 09:26 IST

Marijne's Key Objectives: Fitness and Cohesion

Sjoerd Marijne, the chief coach of the Indian women's hockey team, has outlined his primary goals as the team prepares for the World Cup Qualifiers and the Asian Games this year. His main focus is on enhancing fitness levels and fostering a cohesive unit capable of performing effectively. After a four-year break, Marijne returned to the women's program in December 2025, emphasizing a clear and immediate agenda. With the Los Angeles Olympic cycle in sight, he highlighted the necessity of developing strong team chemistry while improving overall fitness across the squad.

Pathway to World Cup Qualifiers and Asian Games

The women's hockey team is gearing up for the FIH Women's World Cup Qualifier, set to take place in Hyderabad from March 8-14, and the Asian Games scheduled for September-October 2026, along with other significant events leading up to the LA 2028 Olympics. Under Marijne's leadership, the team achieved a remarkable fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. He has quickly taken charge of the current national coaching camp at the Sports Authority of India's regional center in Bengaluru, which will continue until February 18. The camp began with 49 players—43 seniors and six juniors—but has since been narrowed down to 29 following selection trials by Hockey India.

Individual Attention at the National Camp

Reflecting on the recent training sessions, Marijne stated, "We are still in the process of getting to know each other. While I recognize some players from my previous experience, there are still many I am unfamiliar with. It is crucial for us to work on an individual basis to determine the best approach for each athlete. Our strength and conditioning coaches are providing invaluable support in this endeavor," he explained. He further noted, "Currently, the priority is to manage the players' physical condition and overall fitness. The tactical framework is already established, and that won't be the deciding factor at this point. We are united in our pursuit of a common goal, which is why I chose to return."