Janneke Schopman, the first woman to coach the Indian hockey team, recently spoke out about the challenges she has faced during her two-and-a-half years in the job. Schopman, who is an Olympic gold medallist, expressed feeling isolated and undervalued by Hockey India, the governing body for hockey in India. She also highlighted the differential treatment between the women’s and men’s teams, stating that she often felt alone and unappreciated.
Schopman, 46, admitted that she has considered leaving her position, especially after the Commonwealth Games, but she has no regrets about staying on. Despite the difficulties, she remains committed to the team and sees great potential in the players.
Schopman’s journey with the Indian team began in January 2020 when she joined as an analytical coach under then-chief coach Sjoerd Marijne. However, she felt that her opinions were not valued, even after she became the chief coach following Marijne’s departure after the Tokyo Olympics.
Schopman emphasized the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated environment, noting the stark differences in treatment between male and female coaches. She expressed frustration at not being taken seriously and feeling isolated from the decision-making process within Hockey India.
Despite these challenges, Schopman praised the hard work and dedication of the players, highlighting their willingness to learn and grow. She believes that with the right support, the Indian women’s team has a bright future ahead.
Schopman’s future with the team is uncertain, but she remains hopeful. She stated that her decision to continue will depend on various factors, including the support she receives from the players and the federation.
In conclusion, Janneke Schopman’s story sheds light on the challenges faced by women in sports leadership roles. Her experience highlights the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment for women in sports, where their contributions are valued and respected.