New Delhi: Janneke Schopman, the coach of the Indian women’s hockey team, has raised serious concerns about the treatment she has received from Hockey India, alleging discrimination based on her gender. As the first female coach to lead the Indian team, Schopman’s remarks shed light on the challenges faced by women in the sport.
Following the historic fourth-place finish of the Indian women’s hockey team in the Tokyo Olympics, Schopman took over the coaching role from Sjoerd Marijne. Despite her significant achievements and experience as a former Netherlands hockey player, Schopman expressed frustration over the differential treatment she has encountered in India compared to male coaches.
In a candid interview with a prominent media outlet, Schopman highlighted the cultural differences she has experienced, emphasizing her background in a society where women are respected and valued. She expressed disappointment in the lack of similar treatment in India, where she feels her opinions are not as valued.
Schopman lamented the disparity in treatment between herself and male coaches, noting the overwhelming focus on the men’s team compared to the women’s team. Despite her dedication and admiration for the women players, Schopman admitted to facing significant challenges in her role due to the cultural differences and perceived lack of support from Hockey India.
Reflecting on her tenure, Schopman acknowledged the difficulty she faced and expressed regret over not leaving after the 2022 Commonwealth Games. She emphasized the importance of receiving adequate support to effectively carry out her role as coach and expressed optimism about the potential of the Indian women’s team if they receive the necessary support.
Schopman’s remarks highlight the need for greater gender equality and support for women coaches in Indian sports. As the Indian women’s hockey team strives for further success, addressing issues of discrimination and ensuring equal opportunities for all coaches will be crucial for the team’s development.
