Sjoerd Marijne returns as head coach of Indian women’s hockey team

Sjoerd Marijne, who led the Indian women’s hockey team to a historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, is back in charge ahead of the next Olympic Games set to be held in Los Angeles in 2028.

Marijne, the 51-year-old Dutchman, was previously the head coach of the side between 2017 and 2021. During his stint, the team made it to the Top 10 in the FIH Rankings.

Marijne, whose appointment comes a month after Harendra Singh’s resignation, said, “It’s great to be back. After four-and-a-half 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 will be supported by Matias Vila as analytical coach. Vila is a former midfielder from Argentina who made his international debut in 1997 and competed in the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the 2004 Athens Olympics. He has been involved in coaching over the past two decades.

READ | Harendra Singh resigns as India women’s hockey coach

Also making his return to the Indian hockey scene is Dr Wayne Lombard, as scientific advisor and head of Athletic Performance. He will be supported by Rodet Yila and Ciara Yila, both in the role of scientific advisor.

Marijne’s first big challenge as the chief coach will be the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup Qualifiers in Hyderabad from March 8 to 14. Marijne will arrive in India on January 14, with the national coaching camp starting on January 19 in SAI, Bengaluru.

Published on Jan 02, 2026