Indian Women’s Hockey Target Fitness and Cohesion Under Returning Coach Marijne Ahead of World Cup Qualifier

The head coach of Indian women's hockey team Sjoerd Marijne has emphasized fitness and team culture as the main focuses as the team gears up for a busy international calendar, including the FIH Women's World Cup Qualifier and the Asian Games later this year.

Marijne, who rejoined the women's programme in December 2025 after being away for four years, mentioned that he has a clear focus as India starts training for the next major tournaments in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle.

The Dutchman insisted that raising the fitness level and creating good team chemistry will be the two pillars of the squad's performance going forward.

“Our first priority right now is fitness, which is a very important aspect for us. Alongside that, the focus is on coming together and functioning as a strong unit,” Marijne told SAI as quoted by a Hockey India press release. “From there on, we can work on all the other things like techniques,” he added.

The Indian women’s team is set to compete in the FIH Women’s World Cup Qualifier, scheduled to be held in Hyderabad from March 8 to 14, followed by the Asian Games 2026, which will take place between September and October. These competitions as well as other significant events form part of India's comprehensive plan for the LA 2028 Olympics.

Marijne Takes Charge of National Camp in Bengaluru

Marijne, who had taken the Indian team to a historical fourth position at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, is now handling the current national coaching camp at the Sports Authority of India's regional center in Bengaluru.

The camp, which is scheduled to end on February 18, started with 49 players (43 seniors and 6 juniors) but after selection trials conducted by Hockey India, it was narrowed down to a squad of 29.

Marijne, reflecting on the early days of his second term, said that they are still in the process of getting to know the team.

“We are still getting to know each other. While I am familiar with a few of the players from before, not everyone is known to me yet. It is important for us to work at an individual level and understand what is best for each player. We are receiving strong support from the strength and conditioning coaches, who are playing a key role in guiding this process,” he explained.

Emphasising the importance of physical management at this stage, Marijne added, “Right now, the most important thing is managing the players’ bodies and overall fitness. 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 precisely why I decided to return.”

(With inputs from ANI)