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Sjoerd Marijne returns as chief coach of the Indian women’s hockey team, joined by Matias Vila and Dr Wayne Lombard ahead of World Cup Qualifiers.
Sjoerd Marijne (2nd row, 4th from left) has been reappointed as the Indian women’s hockey team coach (Picture credit: X @SjoerdMarijne)
Former Dutch hockey player Sjoerd Marijne is all set to return for his third stint with the Indian women’s team as head coach. Hockey India confirmed on Friday that Marijne has been appointed chief coach of the Indian women’s hockey team.
Marijne returns after guiding India to a brilliant fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics, marking only the team’s second appearance at the Games in over 36 years. He will be assisted by Matias Vila, who joins as the analytical coach.
It is worth noting that Vila is a former Argentine midfielder who made his international debut in 1997 and went on to play at the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Olympics.
Vila has over two decades of coaching experience.
Dr Wayne Lombard also rejoins the Indian women’s coaching setup as Scientific Advisor and Head of Athletic Performance. He will be supported by Rodet Yila and Ciara Yila, both serving as Scientific Advisors.
“It is great to be back. After 4.5 years, I return with fresh energy and a clear vision to support the team’s growth and help the players achieve their full potential on the world stage,” Marijne was quoted as saying in a Hockey India release.
Marijne’s first major assignment as Chief Coach will be the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup Qualifiers in Hyderabad, Telangana, from March 8 to 14. He is all set to arrive in India on January 14, with the National Coaching Camp kicking off on January 19 at SAI, Bengaluru.
“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 and Sports Authority of India for expediting the appointment in order to ensure the team’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers isn’t hampered,” Hockey India president Dr Dilip Tirkey said in the release.
Marijne coached the Indian team at the 2018 Women’s Hockey World Cup, where India lost in the quarterfinals to Ireland.
January 02, 2026, 1:42 PM IST
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