From Chaos To Champions: How Sjoerd Marijne Rebuilt Indian Women's Hockey Team

“The job is not done yet.” Sjoerd Marine sounded typically understated when midfielder Neha explored the head coach's reaction on India's entry into the Asian Games final. But a day later, India ended a prolonged 44-year wait, grabbing the women's hockey gold beating Paris Olympic silver medallists China 1-0 in the final. The team also secured qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Soon, Marijne settled into a well-deserved celebration time with his players in the locker room.  But the Dutchman, who returned as India's head coach in January, inherited a divided dressing room short on confidence and disrupted by injuries.

However, nine months later, he transformed that group into a fearless, united side that produced its best World Cup finish — fifth — in 52 years before adding an Asian Games gold.

Marijne struck an immediate chord with the players, giving instructions, mostly in Hindi: “thoda aage,” “peeche ja,” “Deepu, bhag,” “Shilpi pass.”

There have been no elaborate '70-minute' speeches before important matches, as he believed in his players.

The players too think that Marijne has given them clarity and freedom, allowing them to express themselves on the field.

That approach has worked from young defender Sakshi Rana to veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia.

But a year ago, such a turnaround was difficult to imagine.

An inconsistent India were eliminated from the FIH Pro League and injuries had further unsettled the squad.

Marijne gradually turned the wheel.

India returned to the Pro League after winning the FIH Nations Cup, then finished a historic fifth at the World Cup despite 11 players making their debuts in the tournament.

However, his rebuilding process was not entirely about tactics. He eliminated divisions within the group and created a sense of collectiveness, resorting to methods like tying unity bands around the players' wrists.

The support staff too played an important role in that process, with scientific advisor Wayne Lombard, drag-flick consultant Taeke Takema, assistant coach Mathias Villa and other performance specialists working closely with the players.

The results were evident at the World Cup, where India lost only once— to co-hosts and eventual champions the Netherlands — with both goals coming from penalty corners.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also acknowledged Marijne's contribution while addressing the Indian diaspora at The Hague during his visit to the Netherlands in May.

“Dutch coaches have also contributed significantly to improving Indian hockey. Our women's hockey team has been performing exceptionally well for some time now. Coach Marijne has played a key role in this,” Modi had said.

But deep inside, Marijne will know that the Asian Games triumph still constitutes only the first step, however glossy it is.

The road to the Los Angeles Olympics begins now — for him and the team.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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LG Electronics Shares May Rally 22%, Says Motilal Oswal - Check Target Price

According to the brokerage, LG Electronics is well placed to benefit from structural premiumisation across TVs, refrigerators, washing machines and ACs, while the expanding LG Essential portfolio provides an additional growth factor by broadening its addressable market. Over the medium term, Motilal Oswal expects Sri City capacity expansion, deeper localisation and increasing exports to further strengthen the growth and profitability profile.

NDTV Profit's special research section collates quality and in-depth equity and economy research reports from across India's top brokerages, asset managers and research agencies. These reports offer NDTV Profit's subscribers an opportunity to expand their understanding of companies, sectors and the economy.

Motilal Oswal Report

Domestic brokerage firm Motilal Oswal values LG Electronics Ltd. at 45 times Sep'28E earnings per share to arrive at a target price of Rs 2,080 and has reiterated Buy rating implying a potential upside of 22% from the reports current market price of Rs 1,711.

The brokerage's positive view on LG Electronics is supported by its diversified product portfolio, strong brand franchise, multiple avenues for sustainable revenue growth and better margin profile vs peers.

The company is well placed to benefit from structural premiumisation across TVs, refrigerators, washing machines and ACs, while the expanding LG Essential portfolio provides an additional growth factor by broadening its addressable market.

ALSO READ: Azad Engineering Gets Rating Upgrade From ICICI Securities On Higher-For-Longer Growth Visibility — Check Revised Target Price

Recent trends across large-screen TVs, French-door refrigerators and fully automatic washing machines highlight LG Electronics's ability to drive value growth even in a mixed demand environment. Over the medium term, Motilal Oswal expects Sri City capacity expansion, deeper localisation and increasing exports to further strengthen the growth and profitability profile.

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BMC Retains 10% Water Cut In Mumbai To Secure Supply Until May 2027, Cites El Nino Threat

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has urged Mumbai residents to use water judiciously, warning of a potential severe water crisis in the coming months amid concerns over the impact of El Niño, NDTV reported.

Additional Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar said that if the existing 10% water cut was maintained, Mumbai's current water stock could last until May 17, 202. However, lifting the water cut could lead to the city's reserves being exhausted earlier.

The warning comes despite Mumbai's lakes currently holding around 96% of their water stock.

The BMC administration has decided to continue with a cautious approach, citing concerns over rising temperatures and increased evaporation linked to the El Niño effect in October and November.

According to the civic body, these factors could lead to a faster depletion of the city's water reserves.

Additionally, the BMC has made it clear that any decision to remove the current 10% water cut would only be made following talks with the Maharashtra government.

Despite the relatively high lake levels, the water cut is on for now as the civic body is prioritising availability of water in the long run amid concerns about weather conditions and evaporation.

ALSO READ: No Water, No Hope? Maharashtra Villagers Puts Up 'Village For Sale' Banners As Drying Farms, Wells Deepen Woes

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LeBron James, Miami Heat Free Agency Pursuit Explained After 76ers Decision

LeBron James' move to the Philadelphia 76ers left the Miami Heat without the reunion many fans had hoped for. But according to Miami Heat beat writer Ira Winderman, Miami did not necessarily lose by making a strong push for James. The Heat were among the teams interested in the 41-year-old star before he chose Philadelphia in July. Miami later added Klay Thompson after also bringing Giannis Antetokounmpo to the roster. 

LeBron James And Miami Heat Had Different Plans In 2026 Free Agency

The Heat were one of the teams in the mix for James during his long free-agency process. James eventually chose the 76ers and signed a two-year, $8 million contract with a player option. He said his focus was winning another championship, while his friendship with Tyrese Maxey and his desire to help Joel Embiid also played a role. 

Winderman addressed whether Miami wasted time by pursuing James. His view was that the Heat had little reason to regret the move because they continued building their roster. He wrote, “If they had missed out on another player, say Klay, then you could second guess the overtures.” The Heat later signed Thompson to a two-year deal worth about $11.5 million. 

That move gave Miami another major piece after the team acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo. Winderman summed up the situation by saying, “In the end, LeBron seemingly got what he wanted, and the Heat seemingly got what they wanted.” James got his Philadelphia opportunity, while Miami continued with its own roster plan. 

LeBron James Moves To Philadelphia As Miami Builds Around Giannis

James' 2026 free agency took weeks before he finally made his choice. On July 24, he announced that he would join Philadelphia, ending his eight-year run with the Lakers. The NBA later confirmed the deal, with James entering his 24th season and returning to the Eastern Conference. 

His choice was not simply about adding another team to his career. James recently explained that his relationship with Maxey and his belief that he could help Embiid win his first championship influenced the decision. Philadelphia had also added Jaylen Brown, giving James another major piece around him. 

For Miami, the offseason took a different path. The Heat now have Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo as major pieces, while Thompson adds outside shooting. With James now preparing for his first season in Philadelphia, the Heat's decision to keep building without him has become an important part of the 2026 offseason story. 
 

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