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Sjoerd Marijne Returns to Lead India Women With Culture-First Reset Before World Cup Qualifiers

A 29-player group begins a fitness-first reset to restore team trust.

Overview

  • Marijne set a step-by-step roadmap that starts with the FIH Women’s World Cup Qualifier in Hyderabad from March 8–14, then the Nations Cup.
  • He kept a broad 29-player squad, elevated six juniors on form, and tasked senior players with modeling standards and discipline.
  • Fitness is the immediate focus with strength and conditioning specialist Wayne Lombard back on staff as the team manages injuries and rebuilds capacity.
  • The overhaul follows a slump that included missing the Paris Olympics, relegation from the Pro League, and Harendra Singh’s December resignation after players alleged mistrust and mistreatment.
  • Plans include tours to Argentina and the United States, with the 2026 Asian Games identified as the key Olympic qualifying route toward Los Angeles 2028.