Savita Punia, Sjoerd Marijne at Idea Exchange: ‘Coaches gave us freedom… it was our turn to give them a return gift’

Sjoerd Marijne and Savita Punia, members of India's gold-winning hockey team at the 2022 Asian Games, discussed their experience and the impact of their coach at the Express Idea Exchange.

Punia highlighted the importance of staying calm and executing the coach's plans in high-pressure situations, such as the final against China. Marijne agreed, emphasizing the team's defensive performance during the match.

When the team's senior players approached Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey and Bholanath Singh in January, requesting Marijne as their coach, they were granted their wish. Punia explained that the team's demand was driven by the need for improved discipline and cohesiveness.

Marijne focused on maintaining the Indian culture within the team while guiding players in when to dribble. He stated that the team's receptiveness to his ideas was strong, as he fostered an environment where players could express themselves openly, regardless of their language proficiency.

Punia emphasized the team's sense of ownership following Marijne's return, crediting the coaching staff's freedom and the players' cooperation as key factors in their success. She concluded by stating that the team's hard work and the coach's guidance were the "return gifts" they gave in return for the gold medal.