In a significant development for Indian women’s hockey, Janneke Schopman, the chief coach of the national team, has tendered her resignation. The Dutch coach took this decision after the conclusion of the FIH Pro League 2023-24 matches held in India. The resignation comes amidst a series of challenges faced by the Indian team, both in recent tournaments and during the Olympic qualifiers for Paris 2024.
The Indian women’s hockey team embarked on the latest season of the FIH Pro League with high hopes but faced a tough run, managing only two victories out of eight matches played in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela earlier this month. These results have undoubtedly added to the disappointment following the team’s failure to secure a berth at the Paris 2024 Olympics during the qualifiers held in Ranchi last month.
Hockey India confirmed receiving Schopman’s resignation, acknowledging the need to address the team’s coaching leadership in light of recent setbacks. A statement from Hockey India expressed the organization’s commitment to finding a suitable replacement who can steer the team towards success in future tournaments, notably the Women’s World Cup in 2026 and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Janneke Schopman, 46, was appointed as the first female chief coach of the Indian women’s team following the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, succeeding Sjoerd Marijne. Schopman had previously served as the team’s analytical coach under Marijne during the Tokyo Summer Games. Despite her efforts, which included overseeing 74 matches, with 38 wins, 19 losses, and 17 draws, the recent series of underwhelming performances seemed to have prompted her resignation.
Schopman’s tenure saw notable achievements for Indian women’s hockey, including winning the inaugural FIH Nations Cup in Valencia and securing bronze medals at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games and the Asia Cup in Muscat in 2022. Additionally, the team clinched the Asian Champions Trophy title in Ranchi and a bronze medal at the Asian Games in Hangzhou last year.
With Schopman’s departure, the focus now shifts to the future trajectory of the Indian women’s hockey team.
