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Indian women’s hockey team wins, but coach reveals sad truth
The Indian women’s team defeated the United States, 2-1
The Indian women's team won under the guidance of Janneke Schopman, but the Dutch coach had a difficult experience / X - @FIH_Hockey
The Indian women's hockey team secured victory against the USA, clinching a 2-1 shootout win, in the recent FIH Pro League encounter.
Deepika Kumari’s 19th-minute goal for India and Ashley Sessa's equalizer in the 45th minute set the stage for a shootout, where captain Savita Punia's goalkeeping blocked four US attempts, leading India to a win.
The streak of a good performance by the women’s team has been under the coaching of Janneke Schopman. However, Schopman candidly shared her struggles and feelings of isolation in an emotional post-match interaction.
"I felt alone a lot in the last two years,” the 46-year-old coach expressed, according to a report in the Indian Express. She also opened up about the challenges of being a woman coach in India.
Schopman, former Dutch field hockey player, disclosed, "I come from a culture where women are respected and valued. I don't feel that here." She pointed toward the disparities in treatment between men's and women's coaches, emphasizing the difficulty she faces in India as a woman.
While uncertain about her coaching future, Schopman acknowledged the support of a few individuals within Hockey India, including CEO Elena Norman and Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey.
Reflecting on her tenure since the 2021 Olympics, Schopman admitted contemplating leaving after the 2022 Commonwealth Games due to the challenges she faced. Yet, she affirmed her commitment and intensity as a coach. "I coach with full intensity and I have no regrets because I made that decision myself,” she added.
Schopman's revelation raises questions and adds another testament to the challenges faced by women in the Indian sports landscape.
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