HOCKEY WORLD CUP | Marijne seemingly taps into Indian folklore to instill unity in team
Indian women's hockey coach Sjoerd Marijne has introduced 'unity bands' to the team to foster discipline and collective spirit during the 2026 World Cup. Players have credited this initiative with helping the team overcome past fears and perform better against top-ranked opponents.
Why it matters
Psychological and cultural interventions in sports management can significantly impact team cohesion and performance.
India head coach Sjoerd Marijne and Co. had made their way out onto the turf thirty minutes before the side’s Pool-D game against South Africa in the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026.
While the preparations were going to plan, Marijne appeared to have missed something. He quickly went back to the dugout and held out his right arm to one of his support staff, who promptly tied a red-and-yellow-coloured band around his wrist.
But it wasn’t just unique to Marijne. Every player and support staff, who have travelled to the Netherlands, were also sporting one. It was done at the Dutchman’s insistence, with the team calling it the ‘unity’ band.
Reappointed in February this year, Marijne, who had previously spent four years with the women’s team, has been trying to find ways to restore the belief and confidence back into the group.
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