Indian women’s hockey team head coach Janneke Schopman resigned on Friday, days after creating a stir by claiming that she was not given enough importance and respect in the national federation. The Dutch coach took over the reins of the women’s team from Sjoerd Marine in 2021, having led the team to a historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics. Schopman’s contract was due to expire in August this year after the Paris Olympics, but following her recent critical comments, it was expected that she would not continue.

The 46-year-old coach submitted his resignation to Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey after the conclusion of the team’s tour at the home leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League in Odisha, Hockey India (HI) reported.

“After the disappointment in the recent Olympic Qualifiers, his resignation paves the way for Hockey India to find a suitable head coach for the women’s hockey team to prepare the Indian team for the next Women’s World Cup in 2026 and Los Angeles. Angeles Olympics 2028,” Hockey India said in a release.

“It is time to start a new chapter in Indian women’s hockey, with player progress at the center of our focus,” the statement said.

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