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Indian Women's Hockey Focus on Fitness and Unity for World Cup, Asian Games

Indian women's hockey chief coach Sjoerd Marijne has identified fitness and building a cohesive unit as the top priorities for the team. The focus is on preparing for the upcoming FIH Women's World Cup Qualifier in Hyderabad this March and the Asian Games in 2026. Marijne, who returned to lead the program in late 2025, is currently overseeing a national coaching camp in Bengaluru. He emphasizes managing player fitness and receiving strong support from conditioning coaches as the foundation for future technical work.

Key Points: India Women's Hockey Coach on Fitness, Team Goals for 2026

  • Fitness is the immediate priority
  • Building strong team chemistry
  • Preparing for World Cup Qualifiers in March
  • Eyeing Asian Games 2026 and LA 2028 cycle
2 min read

Fitness, building a strong unit priority for Indian women's hockey coach ahead of WC qualifiers, Asian Games 2026

Coach Sjoerd Marijne outlines fitness and team unity as top priorities for the Indian women's hockey team ahead of World Cup qualifiers and Asian Games 2026.

"Our first priority right now is fitness... the focus is on coming together and functioning as a strong unit. - Sjoerd Marijne"

New Delhi, February 5

Indian women's hockey team chief coach Sjoerd Marijne said that ahead of the World Cup Qualifiers and the Asian Games scheduled for this year, the top priorities remain fitness and building a strong unit which can come together and perform well.

Marijne, who returned to the women's programme in December 2025 after a four-year hiatus, has emphasised that his immediate focus is well-defined. With an eye on the major assignments in the Los Angeles Olympic cycle, the Dutchman has emphasised the importance of building strong team chemistry while also raising fitness standards across the squad.

"Our first priority right now is fitness, which is a very important aspect for us. Alongside that, the focus is on coming together and functioning as a strong unit," Marijne told SAI as quoted by a Hockey India press release. "From there on, we can work on all the other things like techniques," he added.

The women's team has its eyes firmly on the FIH Women's World Cup Qualifier in Hyderabad from March 8-14, the Asian Games 2026 from September-October, and upcoming major competitions in the broader LA 2028 Olympic cycle.

Marijne, under whose guidance the Indian women's team achieved a historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, swiftly took charge of the ongoing national coaching camp at the Sports Authority of India's regional centre in Bengaluru, which runs until February 18. The camp initially featured 49 players--43 seniors and six juniors--before the group was trimmed to 29 following selection trials conducted by Hockey India.

Looking back at the last few weeks of training with the Indian team, Marijne mentioned, "We are still getting to know each other. While I am familiar with a few of the players from before, not everyone is known to me yet. It is important for us to work at an individual level and understand what is best for each player. We are receiving strong support from the strength and conditioning coaches, who are playing a key role in guiding this process," the Dutchman explained.

"Right now, the most important thing is managing the players' bodies and overall fitness. The tactical framework is already clear, and that is not what will make the difference at this stage. We are working together towards a common goal, and that is precisely why I decided to return," he added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Building a strong unit is key. We've seen talented individuals, but the team that plays as one often wins. Hope the coaching staff can foster that chemistry quickly. The Asian Games 2026 is a huge target – we need gold to secure that Olympic spot!
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Aman W
Good plan, but I hope "fitness" doesn't just mean running them into the ground. Need smart, sport-specific conditioning to prevent injuries. We have a packed schedule. The S&C coaches' role is crucial. Fingers crossed for the team!
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Sarah B
Interesting read. As a sports fan, it's clear the focus is on the long-term LA 2028 cycle. Starting with basics like fitness and team cohesion shows a solid foundation is being laid. The World Cup qualifier at home will be a great first test.
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Vikram M
Respectfully, I have to ask – is changing coaches again the best strategy? Marijne did well before, but consistency in coaching philosophy is also important for a "strong unit". Hope Hockey India gives him time and doesn't expect instant miracles.
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Kavya N
The fact that he's taking time to know each player individually is a very good sign. It's not just about tactics, it's about understanding the athlete. Wishing our women's hockey team all the strength and luck! Chak De India!

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