We couldn’t be more proud to share that Sjoerd Marijne,  co-owner of Holland Elite, has been appointed as the new head coach of the National Indian women’s team! This marks his second tenure with the team, following a highly successful first period from 2017 to 2021, during which India achieved a historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Marijne, 51, brings a wealth of international coaching experience, including a brief period as head coach of the Dutch women’s national team in 2014–2015. Known for his tactical insight and player development skills, he returns to India with fresh energy and a clear vision to help the team reach its full potential on the world stage.

“It’s great to be back. After four‑and‑a‑half years, I return with fresh energy and a clear vision to support the team’s growth and help the players achieve their full potential on the world stage.” Marijne said.

The Tokyo 2021 Story: Marijne’s Historic Run with India

The name of Sjoerd Marijne is inseparably linked to the greatest achievement in the history of Indian women’s hockey: the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021. As head coach, he guided the team to a historic fourth-place finish, a result that was seen in India as a breakthrough moment for women’s hockey and earned widespread respect around the world.

The road to that success began years earlier. When Marijne was appointed head coach of the Indian women’s team in 2017, the squad was still at the start of a long development process. India had talent, but lacked experience at the very highest level. In the years leading up to Tokyo, Marijne worked step by step to build a stronger and more united team, introducing clear structures, consistent playing principles and a strong focus on discipline and physical fitness. That foundation proved invaluable in Japan.

During the Olympic tournament, India impressed from the group stage onward. The team recorded important victories over top nations such as Germany and Ireland, earning a well-deserved place in the quarter-finals. There, the team made history by defeating Australia, at the time one of the main contenders for gold, by 1–0. That victory is still regarded as one of the greatest upsets in Indian hockey history and marked the moment when it became clear that Marijne’s team was not just competing, but truly capable of challenging the world’s best.

In the semi-final, India faced Argentina. Despite a strong performance, the team had to accept defeat, but the achievement already carried enormous significance: never before had the Indian women’s team reached the last four at the Olympic Games. In the bronze medal match against Great Britain, India fought hard but narrowly missed out on a podium finish. Although the medal slipped just out of reach, the fourth place felt like a victory to many players and supporters.

The impact of that tournament was profound. In India, the performance was seen as clear proof that women’s hockey had made structural progress. Marijne received widespread praise for his calm leadership, his tactical insight and his ability to make the team mentally strong at the moments that mattered most. Under his guidance, India played with courage, organisation and confidence and qualities that proved decisive in the biggest matches of the tournament.

He  will now focus on preparing the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualification tournament from 8 to 14 March. Marijne’s leadership is expected to bring stability, experience, and renewed confidence to the team as they aim to compete at the highest level once again.

A Moment of Pride for Holland Elite

At Holland Elite, we are extremely proud to now have two national team head coaches within our organisation. With Sjoerd Marijne leading the Indian women’s team and Raoul Ehren at the helm of the Dutch national team, this represents a unique and special moment for our company.

It reflects the level of expertise, ambition and international impact that Holland Elite stands for. And who knows, perhaps the next Olympic Games will even bring a remarkable scenario: Marijne and Ehren facing each other on the biggest stage in world hockey. A prospect that would make us proud, no matter the outcome.

While Holland Elite has no formal ties to the Indian team, the appointment of a Dutch coach on the global stage is a moment of pride. Marijne’s career reflects the values Holland Elite holds dear: dedication, excellence, and a passion for hockey.

We are excited to follow Sjoerd Marijne’s journey with India and wish him and the team every success in the months ahead. We are honored to support him as he takes on this exciting new chapter.