Encouraged by the Indian women’s hockey team’s impressive performance against Argentina, chief coach Sjoerd Marijne has stressed the importance of maintaining discipline and consistency as the side prepares for a busy international calendar ahead.
India recently held world No. 2 Argentina to a 2-2 draw in a four-match series. After suffering defeats in the opening two games, the Indian team bounced back strongly to win the remaining two matches, including one through a shootout, and level the series.
The team’s next challenge will be a tour of Australia from May 21 to June 3, which will serve as preparation for the upcoming FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand next month. The tournament, scheduled from June 15 to 21 in Auckland, offers a pathway back into the elite FIH Pro League.
India, who were relegated from the Pro League last year, must win the Nations Cup to secure re-entry into the top-tier competition.
All four matches of the Australia tour will be played at the Perth Hockey Stadium, where the Indian side will face a different style of opposition compared to Argentina.
Marijne, who famously guided India to a historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics, returned for a second stint as head coach earlier this year. He said improving fitness and reducing injuries were his immediate priorities after taking charge.
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“When I came in January, the first thing I wanted to address was the injury situation. We had nearly 14 injured players at that time. Then the World Cup qualification became important, so there was hardly any time for development work or proper load management. After that, we had a very productive tour to Argentina,” the Dutch coach said during an online interaction organised by the Sports Authority of India on Friday.
“Argentina are ranked No. 2 in the world, so the tour helped us understand the benchmark of top-level hockey. That experience was very important for us. Since then, we have had more time in camp to work on fitness.” He said the upcoming Australia series would help the team further sharpen its preparations.
“In Australia, we will not only play matches but also train extensively. They play a completely different style from Argentina, which will help us adapt better. During the last two games in Argentina, where we secured a win and a draw, I saw the kind of behaviour and approach I always wanted from the team,” he said.
“The biggest objective during the Australia tour and the Nations Cup is to continue those good habits and maintain consistency in behaviour. If we become more consistent in our game, our overall level will continue to rise.”
Marijne added that every international assignment this year is part of India’s long-term preparation for two major events — the World Cup and the Asian Games. “All these tournaments and matches are important steps towards preparing well for the Asian Games,” he said.
The coach also revealed that injuries continue to be a concern, with two players currently sidelined due to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.
“Unfortunately, Sangita Kumari and Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke are both out with ACL injuries. The rest of the squad is fit. Vaishnavi underwent surgery a few days ago, and Sangita’s situation is similar. Normally, recovery from an ACL injury takes anywhere between nine months and a year,” he explained.
Marijne also emphasised the role of discipline, awareness and team culture in helping India compete consistently at the highest level.
“Game awareness is very important. Discipline is one of the most important things for me. We also need to build and maintain a strong team culture,” he said.
India captain Salima Tete echoed her coach’s views, saying discipline and fitness remain the foundation of the team’s ambitions.
“The girls are working extremely hard on fitness because everyone understands its importance. If we are fit enough, we can challenge and beat any team,” Salima said.
“Discipline can help us defeat any opposition. The Australia tour will be a very important preparation for us, and we will give our best,” she added.
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