FIH Pro League: Netherlands women's Midas Dutch on the hockey field

IF the only true mark of excellence in a team sport is the big titles, the Dutch women's side is the gold standard. Or pretty close to it.

- SWAROOP SWAMINATHAN

IF the only true mark of excellence in a team sport is the big titles, the Dutch women's side is the gold standard. Or pretty close to it. For most teams, second or third can be good enough. For the women in Orange, it's either first or nothing. Win big or don't bother turning up.

There is a sort of legend associated with South Korean archers and how it's harder to win their national championships than the Olympics. It's how life is in the Netherlands if you are a women's hockey player. "(In my opinion) getting into the team is harder," says assistant coach, Sjoerd Marijne. It's a thought echoed by Emma Reijnen, one of several newish faces at the Pro League in Bhubaneswar. "It's hard to get into the side," Reijnen, a former Under-21 captain, says.

Before delving into what has made them an unstoppable force in women's hockey, a look at all the gongs they have won over the last 10 years. World Cups (2006, 2014, 2018 and 2022), Olympics (2008, 2012, 2020 and 2024), Euros (2017, 2019, 2021 and 2023) Pro League (2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024)... there's enough pot of gold to run a small jewellery firm.