Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jan 2: Dutch coach Sjoerd Marijne was on Friday reappointed as the chief coach of the Indian women’s hockey team, returning to a familiar role after guiding the side to a historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

The 51-year-old had earlier coached the Indian women’s team from 2017 to 2021, a phase during which the team broke into the world’s top 10 and came agonisingly close to winning an Olympic medal in Tokyo. Marijne now takes charge once again with the responsibility of building on that progress, as the team prepares for a crucial season ahead.

Marijne will be supported by Matias Vila, who has been appointed as the analytical coach. A former Argentine midfielder, Vila represented Argentina at the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Olympic Games and brings over two decades of coaching experience.

Also rejoining the Indian set-up is Wayne Lombard, who will serve as scientific advisor and head of athletic performance. He will be assisted by Rodet Yila and Ciara Yila, both appointed as scientific advisors.

Expressing his happiness on returning, Marijne posted on X, “It’s great to be back. After 4.5 years, I return with fresh energy and a clear vision to support the team’s growth and help the players achieve their full potential on the world stage.”

Marijne’s first major assignment will be the Women’s World Cup Qualifiers, scheduled to be held in Hyderabad, Telangana, from March 8 to 14. He is expected to arrive in India on January 14, with the National Coaching Camp set to begin on January 19 at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in Bengaluru.

Welcoming the decision, Hockey India president Dr Dilip Tirkey said the federation was delighted to have Marijne and his support staff back. He also thanked the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and SAI for expediting the process, adding that fitness, a key factor in India’s Tokyo success, would once again be a major focus during Marijne’s new tenure.