Janneke Schopman resigned as the coach of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team just days after stirring controversy by saying that she was not respected enough by the national federation.
The Dutch coach had taken over the reins of the women’s team in 2021 from Sjoerd Marine, who had led the side to a historic fourth position at the Tokyo Olympics.
Schopman joined the Indian women’s team in January 2020 as an analytical coach under Marijne. Her contract was to end in August this year after the Paris Olympics but after her recent comments, it was expected that she would not continue.
Schopman handed her resignation to Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey after the conclusion of the team’s outing in the home leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League in Odisha.
“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.
Schopman had a breakdown during a mixed zone interaction after an FIH Hockey Pro League match in Odisha and claimed that the men’s coaches were treated differently by Hockey India.
“I felt alone a lot in the last two years. I come from a culture where women are respected and valued. I don’t feel that here,” she had said.
“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. It’s really hard.”
Hockey India had denied any preferential treatment for the men’s team and its coaches, asserting that all the coaches were equal to them.
Under Schopman’s stewardship, India had a good record as they won 38, lost 19 and drew 17 of her 74 games in charge.
Image Courtesy-AFP
