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Yibbi Jansen, a 25-year-old hockey player from the Netherlands, is widely considered the world's foremost drag-flicker. Her exceptional skill was instrumental in the Netherlands' victory at the Paris Olympics, where she scored the equalizer in the final against China. Now, her prowess is central to the Odisha Warriors' chances in the Women's Hockey India League (HIL) final against JSW Soorma Hockey Club. The article details her journey, highlighting a pivotal conversation with her father, a two-time Olympic champion, when she was 12 years old. He challenged her to develop a unique skill to set herself apart, leading her to focus on drag flicking, a skill that has become her trademark and a significant asset to her team.
Jansen's impact on the Odisha Warriors is undeniable. In the league phase, she scored five goals from penalty corners – a feat equaling the combined total of the other three teams. This remarkable statistic underscores her importance to the team's success. Her skill is even more significant considering that drag flicks are less prevalent in women's hockey than in the men's game. Former India head coach Janneke Schopman recognized Jansen's exceptional talent, making a substantial bid of Rs 29 lakhs to secure her for the Odisha Warriors at the player auction, reflecting her immense value to the team.
Jansen's achievements extend beyond the HIL. She is the 2024 FIH women's player of the year and has scored an impressive 75 goals in 86 international matches for the Netherlands. Her journey into hockey itself is fascinating. While her father, an Olympic champion, initially preferred she play football, her mother insisted on hockey, a decision Yibbi is grateful for. Even early on, Jansen's talent was evident, but her shyness almost prevented her from joining a new team until her grandmother offered the incentive of a new bicycle to overcome her reluctance, showcasing her perseverance and dedication.
Jansen's success as a drag-flicker is attributed to her early start at age 12, allowing her to refine her technique over time. She also studied men's drag-flicking techniques, incorporating their superior body movements and chest rotation to enhance her own skill. She continues to work with her childhood coach, Toon Siepman, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement. This dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence are integral components of her success.
The upcoming final against JSW Soorma promises a thrilling contest. While Jansen was scoreless against Soorma in their two league matches, and Soorma boasts an excellent goalkeeper in Savita Punia, the Odisha Warriors will rely heavily on her drag-flicking ability under pressure. Conversely, Soorma, despite topping the league stage and scoring the most field goals, has struggled to convert penalty corners, offering Odisha an opportunity to exploit this weakness. Soorma's head coach, Jude Menezes, acknowledges their penalty corner struggles but highlights their strong field goal scoring and solid defense as key strengths.
The final is anticipated to be a closely fought match, with both teams possessing distinct strengths. Soorma's formidable field goal threat, led by Charlotte Englebert of Belgium, will pose a significant challenge. However, Odisha's confidence rests largely on Jansen's ability to deliver under pressure, a skill she has consistently demonstrated on the international stage. The outcome of the first women's HIL final will likely hinge on which team can effectively execute its strengths and capitalize on the other's weaknesses. The world's best drag-flicker, Yibbi Jansen, will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in determining the victor.