Women’s Hockey India League: Dutch Star Yibbi Jansen Shines as Odisha Warriors Dominate Delhi SG Pipers

At the Hockey India League (HIL) auction last October, Janneke Schopman, former national head coach, had her sights set on building a squad with top Indian players she had coached. While she made bids for several first-team Indian players, she stayed within budget, waiting for the star she truly wanted: the Netherlands’ Yibbi Jansen. When Jansen’s name came up, Schopman went all in, fending off other teams’ interest to secure the 2024 FIH Player of the Year.

Jansen, who was the top scorer at Paris 2024 where the Dutch won gold, wasted no time proving her worth. She delivered a stellar performance on the opening night of the inaugural women’s HIL, leading the Odisha Warriors to a commanding 4-0 victory over Delhi SG Pipers. Jansen struck twice (16th and 37th minutes), while Baljeet Kaur (42nd) and Freeke Moes (43rd) added to the tally, as Odisha’s attacking prowess came alive in the third quarter.

“She’s the best drag-flicker in the world,” Schopman remarked after the auction. “Everyone wanted her, but our strategy ensured we got her for just under our planned budget. Some Indian players went for high prices, but we stuck to our plan and landed Yibbi.”

The ₹29 lakh recruit made an immediate impact, scoring from the night’s first penalty corner after a tightly contested opening quarter. The chance was set up by fellow Dutch star Freeke Moes, giving Jansen the perfect opportunity to fire Odisha into the lead. Despite Delhi’s attacking efforts, led by Lily Owsley and Sunelita Toppo, Odisha’s defence, anchored by Jocelyn Bartram and Deep Grace Ekka, kept the Pipers at bay.

Schopman was satisfied with the lead but remained cautious, knowing that Navneet Kaur’s side posed a serious offensive threat. The third quarter, however, saw Odisha pull away decisively. Michelle Fillet earned another penalty corner, and Jansen made no mistake, her drag-flick rocketing past the Delhi defence. Baljeet Kaur soon added a third goal, showcasing the talent Schopman had nurtured in her tenure as India’s coach. Freeke Moes capped off the dominant display with the fourth goal shortly after.

Delhi fought hard in the final quarter, but Odisha’s defence held firm, securing a comprehensive win.

“There’s a lot of work behind the scenes,” Jansen recently told Hockey India. “I do strength and hockey training, and I dedicate extra time to perfect my penalty corners. It’s a lot of effort, but I love it, so it never feels like work. The HIL is going to be a big adventure, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”