New Delhi, Jan 2 (NationPress) Hockey India has officially revealed that Sjoerd Marijne will take on the role of chief coach for the Indian women's hockey team. This appointment signifies the Dutch coach's return to the Indian setup after an impressive showing at the Tokyo Olympic Games, where the team achieved a historic fourth place finish in just their second appearance at the event in over 36 years.

Joining Marijne will be Matias Vila, who will act as the analytical coach. Vila, a former midfielder from Argentina, made his international debut in 1997 and participated in both the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the 2004 Athens Olympics. He has dedicated more than two decades to coaching.

Additionally, Wayne Lombard is making his comeback to the Indian hockey landscape as the Scientific Advisor and Head of Athletic Performance. He will be assisted by Rodet Yila and Ciara Yila, both serving as scientific advisors,” stated Hockey India in an official release.

Reflecting on his return to India, following a groundbreaking period from 2017 to 2021 during which the Indian women's team climbed into the top 10 of the world rankings, Marijne expressed, “I’m thrilled to be back. After four and a half years, I come back with renewed energy and a focused vision to nurture the team’s development and aid the players in realizing their full potential globally.”

Marijne's initial major test as chief coach will be the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup Qualifiers, scheduled in Hyderabad, Telangana, from March 8 to 14. He is set to arrive in India on January 14, with the National Coaching Camp commencing on January 19 at SAI, Bengaluru.

Hockey India's President, Dilip Tirkey, commented on Marijne's appointment, saying, “We are grateful to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) and Sports Authority of India (SAI) for fast-tracking this appointment to ensure the team is well-prepared for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers. The focus on the team's fitness, which was crucial for the Indian women's remarkable performance in Tokyo, remains a priority. We anticipate a productive tenure.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh stated, “We wish Sjoerd Marijne and the support staff success in their endeavors. Sjoerd has a deep understanding of the team, as many core group players have previously played under his guidance. We now expect this team to excel, especially with the Asian Games and World Cup Qualifiers on the horizon.”