Court Stops Ex-Hockey India Coach Marijne’s Book

NEW DELHI, (IANS) – The Delhi High Court on September 20 restrained Sjoerd Marijne, former coach of Indian Women’s hockey team, and HarperCollins Publishers India Private Limited from publishing any content on the medical condition of player Gurjit Kaur in his upcoming book.

The development followed the appeal of Kaur who challenged last week’s single bench order which refused to stay the release of the book titled “Will Power: The Inside Story of the Incredible Turnaround in Indian Women’s Hockey” set to launch on September 21.

In the appeal by Kaur, whose contention was against publishing some confidential information that was shared by her with Marijne in confidence when he was the coach, the player pointed out that publishing those details on her medical condition will breach her right to privacy as well.

The publishing house argued that the details are already in the public domain.

Taking note of the submissions, the court slated the matter for further hearing on December 7.

Last year, Hockey India was left red-faced following Marijne, who, through an interview in a national daily, reportedly alleged that his previous employers, Sports Authority of India , had withheld his salary. In reply, Hockey India had condemned “the malicious attempt to paint a dark picture of Indian sports administration” by the former coach.

Dutch tactician Marijne played a key role in guiding the Rani Rampal-led Indian women’s hockey team to a historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.