Sjoerd Marijne: Building Belief, Depth and a Road to LA 2028

Image: ©Pixel Sports

Sjoerd Marijne’s return to the Indian women’s hockey team has already brought a significant change in results and belief. India followed their best World Cup finish in 52 years with a historic Asian Games gold, ending a 44 year wait. More importantly, the team secured its place at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics well ahead of time. From defensive discipline and stronger team unity to the emergence of younger players, there has been a clear shift in the group. In an exclusive conversation with Pixel Sports, Marijne reflects on the World Cup, the Asian Games triumph, the development of the squad and what lies ahead on the road to LA 2028.

Pixel Sports: Let us start with the World Cup. Fifth place was India’s best finish in 52 years. When you look back at that tournament, what made you most proud?

Sjoerd Marijne: The fact that we were competitive against every country and we believed in ourselves.

PS: One thing that stood out was how well India defended against strong teams, especially England and China. Was that an area you felt needed immediate work when you returned?

SM: Yes, absolutely. That’s the basis for me to work on. From there we can move on to other topics.

PS: You already knew Indian women’s hockey very well. When you came back this time, what was the biggest difference you noticed in the team?

SM: They all spoke English and understood me much better, and we have more depth in the squad.

PS: The group had been through a difficult period before your return. Before tactics and results, did you first have to rebuild trust and confidence?

SM: No, first I had to build unity and everyone focusing on the team goals. Together with that, it’s the discipline part we had to build on.

PS: At the World Cup, India looked much more comfortable against top opposition. What is still missing for this team to beat those sides more regularly?

SM: We can become more stronger in ball possession.

PS: Then came the Asian Games gold after 44 years. When the final hooter went against China, what was going through your mind?

SM: It was the outcome of hard work and dedication for 8 months, and it felt of course amazing that we already know we are going to the Asian Games.

PS: India scored early in the final and then had to protect that lead for almost fifty minutes. What was your message to the players during the quarter breaks, especially when China kept increasing the pressure?

SM: Calm in defending and stay concentrated, fast turn around to avoid.

PS: Savita’s penalty stroke save was one of the biggest moments of the final. From the sideline, do you watch a moment like that as a coach, or almost as a spectator?

SM: Yes, I am watching the stroke, want to see what is happening.

PS: We also saw a lot of rotation through the tournament, and even in the semifinal you trusted several younger players together in the final quarter. Does that tell you that the next group is already ready to step up?

SM: It’s combination of experience and young players. Young players need the seniors to guide them, this will take time before they can do the same. They will learn eventually.

PS: The Asian Games gold secured qualification for Los Angeles 2028. How much does qualifying this early change the way you can plan, and what are the main areas where this team still needs to improve if the target is an Olympic medal?

SM: It’s not anymore about what if, it’s we go and that makes a big difference.

PS: You have now spent an important part of your coaching career in India. Away from hockey, what have you grown to love about the country, and what does India mean to you today?

SM: The support and the involvement of the people and how much they appreciate the team efforts.