More competitive matches must for Indian women's hockey team: outgoing coach Marijne

The Indian women’s hockey team’s outgoing coach Sjoerd Marijne on Friday said Rani Rampal and her gutsy teammates deserve more international exposure and the national federation must introduce a domestic league for women to assist their growth.

Ending his stint on a high, the 47-year-old Marijne asked Hockey India to organise more high-pressure games for the women’s side at home and abroad to maintain continuity.

“In the last 4-5 matches, we really had pressure and we have to learn to deal with pressure by playing consistently against top teams. That’s what the girls need to take big steps,” he said.