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 seemed to have missed something. He quickly went back to the dugout and reached 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 upon 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.
Forward Lalremsiami credited the head coach for steering this transitional side out of the wilderness of the last two years. “Sjoerd is back and he has a lot of faith in the team. He has instilled positive qualities in the side,” she says. Senior players Navneet Kaur and Salima Tete also spoke about how this young side has now shed the fear factor when it comes up against stronger sides.
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Ahead of the World Cup, Marijne had seemingly tried to tap into the Indian folklore in his attempt to further solidify their bond.
“I gave it to the girls because I have seen many people wear this; it’s a symbol of unity in India,” the 52-year-old told Sportstar. “Every time they see the band, it should remind them what it means to be a team; focussing on working and being disciplined.”
Lalremsiami explained that the coach introduced the idea during a meeting. “He told us that when we see this, both on and off the field, it should remind us that we are not alone. Whenever we see it, it gives us motivation,” she says.
While it may be hard to ascertain the impact of the coloured ropes, Marijne is getting the intended results.
India made World No. 4 China toil in a 2-2 draw, before the facile 6-1 win over South Africa propelled it to the top of Pool D. A draw with England will take India through to the second round, a realistic target set out by Marijne pre-tournament.
Published on Aug 18, 2026
