Hockey

Marijne emphasizes the significance of mastering the art of victory.

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Jun 24, 2026, 18:49 IST

Sjoerd Marijne, the coach of the Indian women's hockey team, highlights the importance of learning from wins and enhancing field goal strategies.

Marijne emphasizes the significance of mastering the art of victory.

The Indian women's hockey team has made significant strides towards reestablishing itself in elite competition by clinching the FIH Nations Cup over the weekend. Coach Sjoerd Marijne views this victory as a crucial milestone, yet he emphasizes that it is merely one step in a longer journey toward consistent performance at the highest levels of the sport.

During a media interaction on Wednesday, Marijne reflected on the importance of building confidence through victories. He noted, “Like I told the girls, it’s important to learn also to win. We played a World Cup qualifier, we achieved our goal and qualified but we lost the final to England. You have to learn from things that don’t go well; like not winning that final. I think the team reached a higher level in the Nations Cup than that final. And I was happy with that.”

Looking Ahead to Major Competitions

With two significant objectives already accomplished this year—the World Cup qualifiers and the Nations Cup—the team is now setting its sights on upcoming challenges, including the World Cup and the Asian Games. Marijne stressed the need for continuous improvement, particularly in converting scoring opportunities. “We create enough opportunities but we don’t make enough field goals, that’s something we need to keep working on,” he stated.

Since taking the helm six months ago, Marijne has focused on fostering a strong team dynamic. He highlighted the growing connection among players, noting, “There’s connection between players. I see an openness, people are open to feedback, both giving and accepting. I see a lot of effort in helping each other outside the pitch. That was one of the things really important for me in rebuilding the team, creating a safe environment.”

Building a Stronger Team Culture

Marijne's approach emphasizes the importance of interpersonal relationships within the team, which he believes is essential for success on the field. As the team prepares for future competitions, the focus will remain on enhancing both individual skills and collective cohesion. The coach's commitment to creating a supportive atmosphere is expected to play a pivotal role in the team's ongoing development and performance in international hockey.

Latest News

End of Article