India hockey coach Sjoerd Marijne turns author in lockdown

Miles away from family amid a global health crisis, the Indian women's hockey team chief coach Sjoerd Marijne is keeping anxiety at bay by focussing on writing a book on his India experience during the coronavirus-forced lockdown period.

The 45-year-old Dutchman, who is based in 's-Hertogenbosch, admitted that it is tough to be away from his wife and children -- three daughters and a son --, during the difficult time.

"Like everyone else, I have my difficult moments, not being with my family. I try to keep myself as busy as possible. I am writing a book in the free time I have," Marijne told PTI in an interview from SAI Centre in Bengaluru.

"I have been in India for three and half years and many interesting stuff happened which can be very helpful for coaches and in business life," he said.

Marijne was on his way to the Netherlands just before the national lockdown but changed his mind and returned midway considering the well-being of his family and his team.

"I take it day-by-day and don't look too much ahead. My family is doing well back home and handled the situation very well. A big admiration for my wife about how she is doing this. Not easy always with the children back home and no social life anymore. Without her (support), I couldn't be here," he said.

"It was tough (decision) but I also have a responsibility to the team and India.

"When I decided to stay back, we were still able to do full training as nation-wide lockdown had not been announced. It's good the entire core group is together so we can do other things to make this period productive."
"Every country will have one year extra to train, we have a young group so that can be benefit for us."