India, Jan. 3 -- NEW DELHI Hockey India (HI) on Friday made official what had been doing the rounds in the game's circle ever since Harendra Singh quit last month - Sjoerd Marijne was appointed the chief coach of the Indian women's hockey team for a third time.

The Dutchman was first named coach in 2017 following which he was put in-charge of the men's team for a few months before returning to the role in 2018. In the next three years, the 51-year-old identified players, gave them important responsibilities, and put them in critical positions to build a solid, cohesive unit.

Vandana Katariya was given the role of scoring goals. He identified the burly Gurjit Kaur as the team's primary drag-flicker. A natural leader, Rani Rampal was made...