Sjoerd Marijne has returned to the Indian women's hockey programme with a clear objective of rebuilding the team and creating a stronger foundation for the next Olympic cycle. After a difficult period for the side, the Dutch coach has placed emphasis on team cohesion, fitness, confidence and consistency as India prepares for the 2026 Asian Games and looks ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Marijne returned to the Indian women's team in December 2025 after a four year absence. He previously guided India to a historic fourth place finish at the Tokyo Olympics, where the women's team reached the Olympic semifinals for the first time. His return has therefore generated considerable interest as India attempts to build another competitive squad for the next major international cycle.
One of the most important developments under Marijne has been the improvement in the team's confidence and overall performances. India produced an impressive campaign at the 2026 Women's Hockey World Cup, finishing fifth. The result was reported as the country's best finish at the women's World Cup in more than 50 years. The campaign also included a 2 2 draw against China, a result that carried particular importance because China had previously caused India significant problems at Asian competitions.
The World Cup performance has provided the team with renewed confidence before the Asian Games. India is now preparing for the continental competition in Aichi Nagoya, Japan, with the women's hockey tournament beginning later in September. The Asian Games are particularly important because the gold medal winner will secure a direct qualification place for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
For Marijne, however, the rebuilding process is not limited to results. Building a united team environment has been one of his stated priorities. Hockey India said earlier this year that the coach was focusing on team chemistry while also raising fitness standards across the squad. These areas are especially important in modern international hockey, where physical intensity, tactical discipline and the ability to maintain concentration throughout a match can determine results.
The coach has also highlighted the importance of improving India's defensive structure and continuing to sharpen the team's finishing. Recent reporting ahead of the Asian Games noted that Marijne believes improvements in defence and goal scoring could make a significant difference to India's prospects.
The Asian Games will provide a major test of how far the rebuilding process has progressed. India won bronze at the 2022 Asian Games and will be looking to improve on that result in Japan. The team also has an important psychological challenge because China remains one of the strongest opponents in the Asian region. At the 2023 Asian Games, China defeated India 4 0 in the semifinal, ending India's hopes of winning gold and securing a direct Olympic qualification place at that time.
The recent World Cup meeting between the two teams offered a different picture. India held China to a 2 2 draw and finished ahead of them in the World Cup standings. Indian captain Savita Punia described the result as important for the team's confidence, particularly for younger players who remembered the earlier defeat.
The challenge for Marijne and his players is now to convert that renewed confidence into consistent performances against the best teams in Asia. A strong result at the Asian Games would not only provide a major medal opportunity but could also simplify India's route to the Los Angeles Olympics.
The coach's approach also comes at a time when Indian women's hockey is undergoing broader changes. The team has been working on areas such as fitness, tactical preparation, team cohesion and player development. Recent reporting has also highlighted the team's efforts to approach menstrual health and athlete wellbeing in a more scientific manner, reflecting a wider focus on supporting players beyond match performance.
The rebuilding process is therefore about more than one tournament. India needs a squad capable of competing consistently across the Olympic cycle, while experienced players and younger members of the team continue to develop together. The balance between established players and emerging talent will be important as the team moves towards the next Olympic qualification stages.
Marijne's previous experience with Indian hockey gives him an understanding of the expectations surrounding the national team. His Tokyo Olympic campaign demonstrated that India can compete with leading international sides when the team develops sufficient belief and tactical discipline. His current task is different, however, because he is working with a team that has experienced changes and needs to establish consistency over a longer period.
The recent fifth place World Cup finish represents a positive step, but it does not by itself guarantee success at the Asian Games or Olympic qualification. The upcoming tournament will provide a much more direct test of India's ability to handle pressure in a competition where every match can have major consequences.
India's ultimate objective is clear. Winning the women's hockey gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games would strengthen the team's position in Asian hockey and provide direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Reaching that goal will require disciplined preparation, defensive improvement, effective finishing and strong team unity.
For Marijne, the rebuilding project is therefore entering an important phase. The World Cup has given the team confidence and demonstrated visible progress. The Asian Games will now show whether that progress can be translated into a major medal and an Olympic qualification opportunity.
The Indian women's hockey team has already shown signs of recovery after a challenging period. The next step is to turn that progress into sustained success. With Marijne leading the programme, the Asian Games will be an important measure of how far the team has come and how well it is positioned for the wider Olympic cycle.