Whether Janneke Schopman’s tenure as India’s women’s hockey head coach was a success or not is a debate that might not have a clear verdict, but what is undeniable is the bond she built with the players during her tenure. She says some of them have stayed in touch with her. That is also the reason why despite taking up a technical role with the German team, she kept the door open for any opportunity in the inaugural women’s Hockey India League.
The end to Schopman’s stint wasn’t without its share of controversy, but on Tuesday the former Dutch star was back… in Orange, as the coach of Odisha Warriors.
“I love India, I love the girls, I am happy that I have another opportunity to work with them,” she said. Is there unfinished business? “Not really, I did it with all my heart and it didn’t work for us (qualifying for Paris) and I always regret that.” A fresh start? “Yes, of course.”
Backed by Schopman’s intimate knowledge of the Indian senior and junior squads, Odisha Warriors have built a strong squad. However, for the first part of the day, despite raising the paddle for most Indian players, she had to rein herself in.
“I have come to know the players really well and if I had my way I would have all of them,” she said, reeling off quite a few names. However, the first priority was to get one marquee name… Netherlands’ Yibbi Jansen. During Schopman’s time with India, goal-scoring was an area of concern, and now she will work with the world’s foremost drag-flicker.
Once that was done, she turned her attention to the Indian players, especially members of the Junior Women’s Asia Cup squad she coached to a gold medal: she managed to get Annu, Madhuri Kindo, Anjali Barwa, Jyothi and Rutaja. As well as veterans Deep Grace Ekka, Sonika and Nisha. Add to that the star quality of Freeke Moes.
Seated across Odisha’s table, on the JSW-owned Soorma Hockey Club table, was Rani Rampal, which made for a fascinating subplot everytime the two franchises entered a bidding war. Also on that table was Jude Menezes, former India goalkeeper who has been the coach of Japan’s women’s team in the recent past, who witnessed a stunning performance by goalkeeper Savita Punia against his side at last year’s Asian Champions Trophy. Menezes got his prime target for Rs 20 lakh.
Along with the former India captain, Soorma HC also got the current one when they picked up Salima Tete.
While Rani vs Schopman was a constant feature of the bidding war, another fascinating mini-subplot in the auction room was Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes sitting across from each other representing Delhi SG Vipers and Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers. While Delhi went big on two young Indian attackers in Sunelita Toppo (24 lakh) and Sangita Kumari (22 lakh), the Tigers pulled off the biggest surprise of the day, making Indian senior team defender Udita the most expensive player of the auction with a bid of Rs 32 lakh.
Lalremsiami for Rs 25 lakh was also a notable recruitment by Bengal Tigers, who had a few lighter moments later in the day with an animated Paes heaving a sigh of relief after signing up a goalkeeper with the 75th pick of the day.
Top five buys:
Udita Duhan – Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers – Rs 32 lakh
Yibbi Jansen (NED) – Odisha Warriors – Rs 29 lakh
Lalremsiami – Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers – Rs 25 lakh
Sunelita Toppo – Delhi SG Pipers – Rs 24 lakh
Sangita Kumari – Delhi SG Pipers – Rs 22 lakh
