Dutchman Sjoerd Marijne was on Friday reappointed as the chief coach of the Indian women’s hockey team, returning to the role nearly four years after steering the side to a historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
The 51-year-old previously headed the women’s national team from 2017 to 2021 and oversaw one of its most successful phases, highlighted by a landmark performance at the Tokyo Games.
Marijne will be assisted by Matias Vila, who has been appointed as the team’s analytical coach. A former Argentina midfielder, Vila made his international debut in 1997 and went on to represent his country at the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Olympic Games.
Following his playing career, Vila transitioned into coaching and has been involved in the profession for more than two decades, bringing extensive international experience to the Indian set-up.
Also returning to the Indian hockey set-up is Wayne Lombard, who will serve 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.
“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,” said Marijne, under whose tenure India broke into the top 10 of the world rankings, in a release.
Marijne’s first major assignment as chief coach will be the Women’s World Cup Qualifiers, scheduled to be held in Hyderabad, Telangana, from March 8 to 14.
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He is set to arrive in India on January 14, with the national coaching camp slated to begin on January 19 at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in Bengaluru.
Welcoming the appointment, Hockey India president Dr Dilip Tirkey said, “We welcome Sjoerd Marijne and the entire support staff to the Indian hockey family.”
