Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Sjoerd Marijne Sees India’s Hockey Rise, But Demands More
India’s women’s hockey team finished fifth at the 2026 World Cup.
This result showed the players that they can compete with some of the best teams in the world.
Coach Sjoerd Marijne said India defended very well during the tournament.
However, he wants the team to control the ball better.
He said Indian players often need more touches to receive and pass the ball than the Netherlands players do.
Marijne also praised young players such as Sakshi and Ishika.
He said experienced players are helping the younger members improve.
The coach believes India should celebrate its progress but continue working toward an even higher level.
India finished fifth at the 2026 Women’s Hockey World Cup, its best result mentioned in the report.
Sjoerd Marijne said India matched China, England and the Netherlands in important moments.
The coach believes India must improve possession, receiving and passing to challenge the top teams consistently.
Marijne praised young players and said the squad has a strong balance of junior and experienced athletes.
He credited senior players, Hockey India and the Sports Authority of India for strengthening the team’s support structure.
- Who
- India’s women’s hockey team and head coach Sjoerd Marijne.
- What
- India finished fifth at the 2026 Women’s Hockey World Cup and assessed its progress against leading teams.
- When
- During and after the 2026 Women’s Hockey World Cup campaign.
- Where
- At the 2026 Women’s Hockey World Cup; the articles do not specify the venue.
- Why
- Marijne wants India to close the gap with the world’s top teams by improving ball control, passing and possession.
- Tournament result
- India finished fifth at the 2026 Women’s Hockey World Cup.
- Previous achievement
- India had won the Nations Cup and secured World Cup qualification before the tournament.
- Defensive strength
- Marijne said India can defend really well.
- Main weakness
- The coach identified possession, receiving and passing as areas requiring improvement.
- Young talent
- Marijne highlighted Sakshi and Ishika among the young players who impressed him.
- Squad balance
- He said the team has a good balance of experienced, senior and junior players.
- Support structure
- Marijne credited a larger coaching staff, strength and conditioning support, specialist coaches, Hockey India and the Sports Authority of India.