Hockey India today announced the appointment of Sjoerd Marijne as the chief coach of the Indian womens hockey team. The dutchman returns to the Indian set-up after a historic performance at the Tokyo Olympic Games when the team finished fourth in their second appearance at the quadrennial event in more than 36 years.

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 for Argentina. He has been involved in coaching over the past two decades. 

Marijne takes over from Harendra Singh, who had vacated the spot citing personal reasons last year. 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 returns to India after a four-year stint between 2017 to 2021 where the Indian womens team rose in world ranking, making it to top 10. His first big challenge as chief coach will be the FIH Hockey Womens World Cup Qualifiers in Hyderabad, Telangana from 8 to 14 March 2026. Marijne will arrive in India on January 14 while the National coaching camp begins on January 19 in SAI, Bengaluru.

Speaking about his appointment, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey said, "We welcome Sjoerd Marijne, and the entire support staff to the Indian Hockey family. We extend our gratitude to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) and Sports Authority of India (SAI) for expediting the appointment in order to ensure the team`s preparations for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers is not hampered.”