Following PR Sreejesh’s criticism of Hockey India (HI) for failing to renew his contract, the national sports federation (NSF) has appointed Frederic Soyez as the new head coach of the Indian junior men’s team. The announcement was made on Thursday, marking a significant change in the team’s leadership.
Event Context
HT reported on Wednesday that Frederic Soyez will take over from Sreejesh, whose contract ended in December 2025. Soyez is renowned for nurturing young talent, having led France to a silver medal at the 2013 Junior World Cup. He later became the head coach for Spain, leading the team to the quarter-finals in both the 2016 and 2021 Olympics and securing a silver medal at the 2019 European Championships. Returning to France as head coach, he successfully guided the team to qualify for the 2024 Paris Games, marking their first Olympic qualification since Munich 1972. Under his guidance, the France U-18 team also won silver at the 2025 European Championships. From 2021 to 2024, he served as the high-performance director for the French hockey federation, overseeing athlete development and high-performance initiatives. Soyez’s extensive coaching experience includes participating in two World Cups (2018, 2023) and six European Championships (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023). On the domestic front, he led Lille MHC to win both the French Indoor and Outdoor Championship titles, as well as the EuroHockey Trophy Indoor and Outdoor in 2012. ‘We are excited to welcome Frederic Soyez to the Hockey India family. His international coaching credentials, including his experience at various Olympic Games, World Cups, and European Championships, combined with his success in developing young talent and high-performance systems, make him a valuable addition,’ stated HI president Dilip Tirkey. ‘We believe his expertise will significantly enhance Indian hockey as we strive toward a comprehensive long-term strategy for the 2036 Olympics, emphasizing not just immediate results but also creating a robust pipeline of talent and a cohesive coaching structure from the sub-junior to senior levels.’
Player Focus
With three decades of top-tier hockey experience, Soyez stands out as a prominent figure in the sport. He dedicated 15 years to the French national team and another 15 years to coaching. Between 1995 and 2010, the 48-year-old athlete earned 196 international caps while scoring 195 goals before transitioning into coaching.
Soyez is highly regarded for his knowledge in high-performance systems, athlete development, and penalty corner tactics. Throughout his career, he has consistently created teams characterized by tactical discipline and reliable performance at all levels.
“Our strategy includes integrating Indian coaches with international experts at every national camp, ensuring a cohesive coaching philosophy, continuous player development, and a shared tactical approach. This collaborative model will enhance the skills of Indian coaches and contribute to a robust, self-sustaining high-performance environment moving forward.”
