Janneke Schopman Steps Down as Chief Coach of Indian Women's Hockey Team.

Janneke Schopman, the head coach of the Indian women's hockey team, has decided to step down from her position.

After the FIH Pro League 2023-24 matches in India, Janneke Schopman, the Dutch coach, handed in her resignation to Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey.

In the recent season of the FIH Pro League, the Indian women's hockey team competed in its first eight matches held in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela earlier this month. Out of these matches, India secured victories in only two games while facing defeat in five.

In addition to the tough run in the FIH Pro League, the Indian women’s hockey team faced another setback as they couldn't secure a spot at the Paris 2024 Olympics during the qualifiers held in Ranchi last month.

Commenting on the resignation, Hockey India stated, "Following the disappointment of the recent Olympic qualifiers, Janneke Schopman's decision to resign has opened the door for Hockey India to search for a suitable chief coach who can lead the women’s hockey team towards preparation for the upcoming Women’s World Cup in 2026 and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics."

Janneke Schopman, aged 46, had a contract slated to conclude in August, post the Paris Olympics.

Schopman made history as the first female chief coach of the Indian women’s team, succeeding Sjoerd Marijne after India's fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. She transitioned into this role from her prior position as the team’s analytical coach under Marijne during the Tokyo Summer Games.

During her tenure, spanning 74 matches, India secured 38 victories, faced 19 defeats, and settled for draws in the remaining 17 matches. Noteworthy achievements under Schopman's guidance include India's triumph at the inaugural FIH Nations Cup in Valencia and bronze medals at both the Birmingham Commonwealth Games and the Asia Cup in Muscat, all in 2022.

In the previous year, India clinched the Asian Champions Trophy title in Ranchi and bagged a bronze medal at the Asian Games held in Hangzhou.

Janneke Schopman had an illustrious career both as a player and coach. As a defender, she played a pivotal role in the Netherlands' victories at the Beijing 2008 Olympics and the 2006 Hockey World Cup. 

Transitioning into coaching, she contributed to the USA hockey team from 2014 to 2019, playing a key role in their development.

Looking ahead, the Indian women’s hockey team is gearing up for their next challenge in the FIH Pro League, scheduled in Antwerp in May.