National men’s hockey team coach Sjoerd Marijne will be grilled by the top brass of Hockey India following the side’s disappointing campaign in the Commonwealth Games which saw them return without a medal. Senior players of the team, led by skipper Manpreet Singh, PR Sreejesh and Rupinder Pal Singh, met top HI officials on Tuesday to an provide an explanation for the team’s below-par performance.
This is the first time in 12 years that India have failed to win a single medal in hockey at the CWG. According to a Hockey India official, not just the players, the coach’s performance will also be scrutinised and corrective measures will be taken, if needed.
It is learnt that several members of the national body had raised reservations over the performance of the team and demanded that not just the players, but also the team management be reminded of their responsibilities.
The Field has learnt that Marijne has already spoken to the senior players who raised concerns over the team’s strategy. The coach will now meet the top brass of Hockey India once he returns from the Netherlands. “Sacking Marijne isn’t the solution because this is a crucial year for Indian hockey. We need to hit the ground running and work together as a unit,” a senior Hockey India official informed TheField.
India will be competing at the Asian Games in August and then will prepare for the World Cup in November in Bhubaneshwar. Marijne is expected to join the national camp in Bengaluru from April 27.
With inputs from PTI.