New Delhi: India’s women’s hockey team may have secured a return to the elite FIH Pro League with their Nations Cup title victory, but head coach Sjoerd Marijne believes the squad still has significant room for improvement ahead of a demanding international calendar later this year.
India defeated hosts New Zealand 2-0 in the final in Auckland to lift the FIH Nations Cup trophy and earn promotion back to the Pro League. While pleased with the achievement, Marijne stressed that converting chances into field goals remains one of the team’s biggest priorities as preparations intensify for the World Cup and Asian Games.
The Dutch coach was particularly impressed with India’s performances in the semifinal and final, highlighting the side’s defensive organisation and discipline as the foundation of the success. He noted that limiting opponents to very few opportunities had been one of the team’s strongest attributes throughout the tournament.
According to Marijne, creating scoring opportunities has not been a problem for the team. The challenge now lies in improving finishing, sharpening technical skills and maintaining composure in crucial moments inside the attacking circle.
He also pointed to consistency as a major positive, noting that the team has begun producing high quality performances across consecutive matches rather than fluctuating between strong and average displays.
Looking ahead to major tournaments, the coach emphasised that the players should remain focused on improving their own game instead of becoming preoccupied with opponents. India is set to begin its World Cup campaign against China, a side they are also expected to face at the Asian Games.
Marijne also praised the strong team culture that has developed within the squad, highlighting the openness between senior and junior players, the willingness to accept feedback and the leadership shown by experienced members of the group.
The coach further underlined the importance of mental preparation, communication and player relationships, describing the positive atmosphere within the camp as a key ingredient in the team’s ongoing rebuilding process.
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