Marijne orders red-and-yellow 'unity' band as India top Pool D at FIH Women's Hockey World Cup

India head coach Sjoerd Marijne had a red-and-yellow thread tied around his wrist by support staff in Amstelveen thirty minutes before India’s Pool D game against South Africa at the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 on August 19, 2026. Every player and member of the travelling support staff were also wearing the same band, which the team has dubbed the ‘unity’ band at Marijne’s insistence.

Reappointed in February this year, Marijne — who previously spent four years with the women’s team — has been working to rebuild belief and confidence within the squad. Forward Lalremsiami credited him for guiding the transitional side out of recent difficulties, saying, “Sjoerd is back and he has a lot of faith in the team. He has instilled positive qualities in the team.” Senior players Navneet Kaur and Salima Tete have likewise spoken about how the younger players have shed the fear of stronger opponents.

Marijne explained the origin and purpose of the bands in comments to Sportstar, saying, “I gave it to the girls because I have seen many people wear this; it’s a symbol of unity in India.” The 52-year-old added a second instruction: “Every time they see the band, it should remind them what it means to be a team; focussing on working and being disciplined.” Those remarks framed the band as a daily visual cue for cohesion and discipline.

Lalremsiami described how the coach introduced the bands during a team meeting and the message he delivered around them. “He told us that when we see this both on and off the field it should remind us that we are not alone. Whenever we see it, it’s giving us motivation,” she says, explaining the intended psychological effect within the group.

On the field, the team’s recent results have moved India to the top of Pool D: a 2-2 draw with world No. 4 China was followed by a 6-1 win over South Africa. The report noted that, while the direct impact of the coloured threads is difficult to measure, Marijne appears to be achieving the outcomes he sought from the squad’s renewed focus.

A draw against England would take India through to the second round, a realistic target Marijne set out before the tournament.