Janneke Schopman beamed with joy as she embraced the support staff, while her team celebrated exuberantly following the Odisha Warriors' victory in the Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) on Sunday evening.

The head coach exchanged high-fives and hugs with her players before taking a reflective moment, gazing down at the blue turf of the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Hockey Stadium.

Exactly one year prior, on this same field, the Schopman-coached Indian women’s team had fallen short of securing a spot in the Paris Olympics, having previously qualified for the 2016 and 2021 editions.

The Dutch coach experienced a moment of distress, expressing to the media her feelings of being undervalued and disrespected by Hockey India (HI), stating that the environment was “extremely difficult for women.” Subsequently, she resigned and departed from India. Unsurprisingly, the 47-year-old, who had achieved success as a player by winning the 2006 World Cup and the 2008 Olympics, faced criticism from the Indian hockey community.

Thus, when she returned to India in October 2024 for the HIL auction, the situation was not particularly welcoming, as she encountered individuals who had previously condemned her remarks. However, the former chief coach of India was not there to forge friendships but to assemble the strongest team for the HIL.

“The fact that she was familiar with the players was very advantageous. She also knew the European players. During the auction, she built an exceptional team that ultimately led to their HIL victory,” remarked former India chief coach Sjoerd Marijne from the Netherlands. Marijne, who succeeded Schopman and now serves as the assistant coach for the Netherlands women’s team, acknowledged her strategic acumen.

Schopman's extensive understanding of the Indian environment and conditions enabled her to assemble a robust team characterized by a balanced blend of experience and youthful talent. For instance, she recruited the highly dependable and now-retired Deep Grace Ekka for defence, pairing her with the agile Ishika Chaudhary on the flanks. In the midfield, she appointed the swift Neha Goyal as captain, alongside emerging talents such as Baljeet Kaur and Nisha.

Crucially, for both scoring and defensive strategies, she secured top-tier talent from the Netherlands, including strikers Michelle Fillet and Freeke Moes, as well as the world-renowned drag-flicker Yibbi Jansen for penalty corners. In goal, she selected the seasoned Jocelyn Bartram from Australia, who ultimately allowed the fewest goals throughout the tournament, conceding only six.

“I am quite satisfied with the team's balance. Increased speed in the forward line translates to more opportunities,” Schopman remarked in the mixed zone following the Odisha Warriors' championship victory.

“Yibbi has been instrumental for us, as evidenced by her performance even in matches where we had limited penalty corners. She scored crucial goals that kept us competitive. It is gratifying to coach a team with an effective penalty corner strategy.”

While other coaches took time to familiarize themselves with their players and foster team cohesion, Schopman's Warriors were already thriving. She leveraged her connections with both Indian and foreign athletes, primarily from the Netherlands, to facilitate introductions and promote camaraderie. She emphasized the importance of Indian junior players, whom she had coached during her four-year tenure, spending quality time with their foreign counterparts.

“The players engaged in conversation, which is a significant advantage. This fosters greater depth within the team. For the domestic junior players, it was an invaluable opportunity and experience,” Schopman noted.

Former India captain and Dronacharya awardee Pritam Rani Siwach remarked, “Regardless of the controversies surrounding her comments about India, that is a separate matter. As a coach, she fulfilled her responsibilities effectively. Many of our girls who had not previously played under her guidance benefited from her expertise. I had the opportunity to meet her and extend my congratulations. She did an excellent job.” Eight of Siwach's protégés participated in the HIL final.

Schopman, currently coaching junior girls in Germany, has turned a new leaf, finding redemption at the same venue where she faced significant challenges in January 2024.

“I tend not to dwell on the past. I came here because I have a strong affinity for the people associated with the franchise. Odisha holds a special place in my heart. The state is deeply invested in hockey, and if I can help bring accolades to Odisha, it would be a tremendous honour,” Schopman expressed.

“I am delighted for the girls, as well as for myself and the coaching staff. My passion for hockey and coaching drives me. This experience has been a remarkable challenge, as I had never before worked with teams from different countries. It was truly enjoyable, and now I am simply thrilled that we emerged victorious.”

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