Bhopal: Indian women’s hockey team chief coach Sjoerd Marijne believes the upcoming Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026 will provide an important opportunity to assess how his players perform under pressure and build on their recent success at the Asian Games.
Led by captain Salima Tete, India will begin its title defence at the tournament in Bhopal from November 19. The team recently won the women’s hockey gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan under the leadership of Tete and Marijne.
Speaking about India’s preparations, Marijne said the focus during the national camp in Bengaluru had been on making training sessions more competitive and developing a stronger, more versatile squad.
He said the team would have to adjust to the new playing surface at the Nathu Barakhada International Sports Complex in Bhopal. However, having played on different pitches throughout the year, the coach does not consider the change a major concern.
Marijne stressed that India’s priority would be to improve its overall performance after the Asian Games rather than concentrate on the strength of individual opponents.
Focus on Developing Versatile Players
The coach also explained the decision to experiment with players in different positions. According to him, developing positional flexibility will help India deal with injuries and unexpected situations during major international competitions, including the Olympics.
He cited Ishika Chaudhary, originally a forward who has also been used in midfield, and Rituja Dadaso Pisal as examples of players adapting to different responsibilities.
The upcoming tournament will also provide opportunities for emerging talent. Young players Pooja Sahu and Jyoti are expected to get opportunities, while forward Mumtaz Khan has returned to the national side after an extended absence.
Marijne said the competition would allow every member of the squad to demonstrate her capabilities and strengthen her claim for a regular place in the team.
Preparing for a Demanding International Calendar
Looking ahead, the coach said India’s participation in the FIH Pro League early next year would depend partly on how players manage their workload during December 2026 and January 2027.
He emphasised the need for adequate recovery and preparation, particularly with the Hockey India League followed by international fixtures against Argentina and Germany in February.
Marijne acknowledged that adapting quickly to different levels of international competition would be a major challenge for the Indian players.
He said the immediate objective was to ensure that the team remained physically fit, mentally fresh and capable of maintaining its performance against Asia’s leading sides at the Bhopal tournament.
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