‘People don’t know the real story’: India hockey coach on pre-World Cup leave

NEW DELHI: India women’s hockey team chief coach Sjoerd Marijne has defended his decision to take leave shortly before the FIH World Cup, insisting his absence did not compromise the team’s preparations and that he remained closely involved in the build-up to the tournament.Marijne’s decision to take leave before the World Cup had come under scrutiny in a section of the media, with legendary former India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh questioning whether a team could perform at its best when its chief coach was away during the final phase of preparation.India eventually finished fifth at the World Cup, putting together a creditable campaign after entering the tournament with several challenges, including injuries.Marijne, however, said his leave did not mean he was disconnected from the team or unaware of what was happening during the preparation period.“I have seen every training, match, done meetings and had personal contact with the players, so it…