Janneke Schopman, the chief coach of the Indian women's hockey team, tendered her resignation, citing a lack of appreciation and respect from the national federation.
The Dutch coach, who took charge in 2021, following the historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics, expressed her grievances, indicating a strained relationship with Hockey India.
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“Very hard. Because, you know…,” she said when asked about the challenges she faced. “I come from a culture where women are respected and valued. I don’t feel that here. Coming from the Netherlands, having worked in the USA, this country is extremely difficult as a woman, coming from a culture where you can have an opinion and it’s valued.”
Schopman's tenure was initially expected to continue until the Paris Olympics in August this year. However, her recent remarks cast doubts on her continuity in the role. The decision to step down came shortly after the conclusion of the team's participation in the FIH Hockey Pro League held in Odisha.
The Olympic qualifiers witnessed the Indian women’s team failing to qualify for the 2024 Olympics which was a major blow.
"At the back of the disappointment at the recent Olympic Qualifiers, her resignation has paved the way for Hockey India to look for a suitable Chief Coach for the Women's Hockey Team who could prepare the Indian Team for the next Women's World Cup in 2026 and Los Angeles Olympics 2028," Hockey India said in a release.
"It is time to begin a fresh chapter in Indian women's hockey with the players' progress being at the centre of our focus," the statement added.
One of the significant criticisms levelled against Schopman was the team's inability to convert attacking prowess into goals during crucial matches.
She lamented the dearth of penalty corner specialists within the Indian system, a deficiency she struggled to rectify during her tenure. The decision to exclude seasoned player Rani Rampal from the squad also came under scrutiny, with Schopman defending it as a tactical choice that ultimately impacted India's goal-scoring capabilities.
Schopman's approach to rejuvenating the team by entrusting younger players with goal-scoring responsibilities showcased a commitment to long-term development. Despite the team's mixed performance during her tenure, Schopman's reliance on youth and her vision for the team's future may be regarded favourably in retrospect.
However, her departure signals a need for reflection within the Indian hockey establishment, particularly concerning the treatment of international coaches and the integration of diverse perspectives within the sport. As India seeks to reclaim its position among hockey's elite, addressing systemic issues and fostering a culture of inclusivity will be paramount to future success.
