Marijne Explains India Women’s Asian Games Gold Formula

India women’s hockey coach Sjoerd Marijne said disciplined defending, relentless running and a collective approach were central to his side’s 1-0 victory over China in the Asian Games final. The result delivered India’s first women’s hockey gold medal at the event since 1982 and secured automatic qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Lalremsiami’s first-quarter goal proved to be the decisive moment, but India had to withstand sustained pressure from defending champions and Olympic silver medallists China. Marijne said his message to the players remained straightforward as China pressed for an equaliser: defend well, remain disciplined and keep running.

“I always tell the girls that the basics are good defending, discipline and keeping on running,” Marijne said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s raining or the circumstances are not good. You can always run, and that’s what we did today as a team.”

Defensive discipline protects India’s narrow lead

China controlled possession for long stretches and repeatedly tested India’s defensive structure, leaving the hosts to protect a one-goal advantage. India, however, remained resilient through the closing stages, with Marijne highlighting the work rate of the players coming on and off the pitch.

“You saw some players come off the pitch tired, and then the next one came, and the next one,” he said. “I think in the fourth quarter, we hardly conceded any chances. That is how you win these matches.”

The goalkeeping pair of Savita Punia and Bichu Devi also played a major role in keeping China scoreless. Savita made a crucial penalty-stroke save to deny China an opportunity to level the final, while Marijne praised the way the two goalkeepers had supported each other throughout the campaign.

“Amazing,” he said of the penalty save. “But also Bichu and the way they have been doing this together. I have never seen two individuals helping each other so much. They both play in the same position, but every time they bring out the best in each other.”

Marijne acknowledged that India did not have their strongest game in terms of ball possession. China’s aggressive pressing limited India’s ability to retain the ball for sustained periods, but the coach stressed that effectiveness mattered most in a final decided by fine margins.

“In terms of ball possession, it was not our best game,” Marijne said. “But it is about who is more effective. Today, we were very effective.”

India also came close to extending their lead late in the game, with Marijne noting that the team nearly scored from a penalty corner when China had taken off their goalkeeper. Still, he described the success as a contribution from the entire group rather than an achievement belonging only to the players.

Olympic qualification starts the next phase

The Asian Games triumph gives India an early route into the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after the side missed qualification for the Paris Games. Marijne called the early Olympic berth a major moment for the programme, while insisting the team cannot allow the gold medal to slow its development.

He credited a renewed focus on discipline and working for one another for the team’s turnaround. “If you focus on the team goal, you will achieve your individual goal,” Marijne said. “If you focus on your individual goal, you will not achieve the team goal.”

Marijne also recognised the support staff, including sports science expert Wayne Lombard and the medical team, for their role in managing the squad. Looking ahead, he identified ball retention and composure under pressure as areas India must improve after China’s pressing unsettled them at times in the opening quarter.

“The real work has already started,” Marijne said. “We have to keep building on this. We want to improve, and our main focus is on ourselves and what we need to do better.”