New Delhi, February 4, 2026: Sjoerd Marijne, head coach of the Indian women’s hockey team, who returned to the women’s program in December 2025 after a four-year gap, has underlined that his immediate focus is well defined. Ahead of the big assignments in the Olympic cycle in Los Angeles, the Dutchman has emphasized the importance of building strong team chemistry and raising fitness standards for the entire team.
“Our first priority right now is fitness, which is a very important aspect for us. In addition, the focus is on coming together and functioning as a strong unit,” Marijne told SAI. “From that moment on we can work on all other things, such as techniques.”
The women’s team has its eyes firmly on the FIH Women’s World Cup Qualifier in Hyderabad from March 8 to 14, the 2026 Asian Games and the upcoming major competitions in the wider LA 2028 Olympic cycle.
Marijne, under whose leadership the Indian women’s team achieved a historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, quickly took charge of the ongoing national coaching camp at the Sports Authority of India’s regional center in Bengaluru, which runs until February 18. The camp initially consisted of 49 players – 43 seniors and six juniors – before the group was reduced to 29 following selection trials conducted by Hockey India.
Reflecting on the past weeks of training with the Indian team, Marijne said: “We are still getting to know each other. While I know some of the players from the past, I don’t know everyone yet. It is important for us to work at an individual level and understand what is best for each player. We have strong support from the strength and conditioning coaches, who play a key role in guiding this process,” the Dutchman explained.
“Right now the most important thing is managing the bodies and the overall fitness of the players. The tactical framework is already clear, and that is not what will make the difference at this stage. We are working together towards a common goal, and that is exactly why I decided to return,” he added.