Sjoerd Marijne insists schedule not too heavy for women's hockey team

07/17/2018

Sjoerd Marijine has asserted that the schedule for the Indian women hockey team, which includes back to back two major tournaments, is not too heavy and there are sufficient gaps to keep the girls refreshed. He added that the girls have worked hard and are determined to do well at the World Cup.

The next couple of months would be crucial for Indian women’s hockey team, considering, they head for the Asian Games, starting August 18, immediately after the World Cup in London. Having failed to qualify for the 2014 edition of the World Cup, India return to the competition with the hope of leaving a mark. Although the days ahead would be hectic, chief coach Sjoerd Marijne said, the workload would be manageable.

“After the London event, we will focus on the Asian Games. A lot of people are worried about two back-to-back major tournaments. I think it is possible (to manage the workload) because the schedule at the World Cup is not that heavy. After the first match they have a four-day break, then two days rest after the second match. As you progress in the tournament, the gaps between matches reduce. That said, if we were not playing the World Cup, we would have a similar schedule while playing practice matches,” said Sjoerd Marijine, reported TOI.

The past few years have been quite fruitful for the Indian women’s hockey team. From qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympics to winning the Asian Champions Trophy that year they have given results consistently. The Asia Cup title triumph last year followed by a fourth place finish at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games has strengthened the belief that the team has been moving in the right direction.

Although a majority of players weigh in with experience, only two players, Rani Rampal and Deepika Thakur, have featured in a World Cup before. But the Dutchman has shown no worries about the lack of big-stage experience mainly because most of them have been to the Olympics.

“The girls have worked very hard to get to the World Cup which is the second biggest event for us after the Olympics. When we work over a year to qualify, we must be ready to perform,” he added.

Marijne, who was moved back to shepherd the women’s team after a brief stint with the men’s unit, was cautious when asked about his expectations but admitted a quarterfinal finish would be a good result.

“We have a lot of potential but in hockey you need luck. There are a lot of moments, like ball hitting the post or stopping just short. You need some luck going your way as well. For us, the most important thing is we focus on our first match. You go to a tournament to achieve results. We would be happy with a quarterfinal but we should strive for a medal. Whether you are ranked second, tenth or 16th, you go to the World Cup and want to win a medal, that is normal. That said, we have to believe in ourselves,” he said.

Sjoerd Marijne insists schedule not too heavy for women's hockey team

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