Renowned head coach Janneke Schopman has formally resigned from her position as the head coach of the Indian women’s hockey team. After successfully leading the team through numerous high-stakes tournaments, Schopman submitted her resignation to Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey. Her departure follows the conclusion of India’s home leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League in Odisha.
Assuming the role from former Coach Sjoerd Marine, Schopman made significant contributions to the team, notably guiding them to a historic fourth position at the Tokyo Olympics. However, her tenure was marred by the team’s failure to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics, which was a major disappointment for the squad.
In a recent statement, Schopman expressed her frustration with what she perceived as preferential treatment towards the men’s national teams by Hockey India. Following India’s Pro League match against the US, she made a sensational remark, stating that she didn’t feel “valued and respected” and often felt isolated during her time as head coach.
Despite the challenges she faced, Schopman’s tenure saw the Indian team play a total of 74 matches, winning 38, drawing 17, and losing 19. The team’s victory at the Asian Champions Trophy was a particular high point, but the disappointment of missing out on Olympic qualification proved to be a defining moment.
With Schopman’s departure, India will now be seeking a new Chief Coach to lead the team and prepare for upcoming competitions, including the 2026 Women’s World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The search for a suitable replacement is crucial for the team as they aim to recover from past setbacks and make a strong comeback on the international stage.
Schopman’s resignation marks the end of a significant chapter for the Indian women’s hockey team. Her departure underscores the challenges faced by coaches in the world of sports and serves as a reminder of the importance of providing equal support and opportunities for women’s sports at all levels. As the team begins the search for a new leader, the focus now turns to the future, with the hope of continued growth and success for Indian women’s hockey.