Unleashing Victory: How Yibbi Jansen, the Premier Drag-Flicker, Drives Odisha Warriors’ Ambitions in the Hockey India League

When Yibbi Jansen was just 12, she had a pivotal chat with her father, Ronald Jansen, a two-time Olympic champion in hockey. Yibbi expressed her desire to join the national team, and her father challenged her to find a unique skill that would set her apart. That’s when Yibbi decided to master the drag flick, a specialized move that would boost her chances of being selected. Since then, she’s dedicated herself to perfecting it.

Fast forward to 2025, and Yibbi, now 25, is recognized as the top drag flicker in the world. Her talents were crucial in the Netherlands women’s hockey team’s victory at the Paris Olympics, where she scored a tie-breaking goal with just minutes left, leading them to gold. She also played a key role for the Odisha Warriors in the Women’s Hockey India League, helping them reach the finals.

While drag flicks have become popular in men’s hockey, they’re less common in women’s play. That’s why former Indian coach Janneke Schopman pushed for Odisha to sign Yibbi for a significant sum. In the league, she notably scored five goals from Penalty Corners, matching the total of three other teams combined.

Yibbi has made her mark beyond the league; she’s collected 75 goals in 86 international matches and is the 2024 FIH women’s player of the year. Interestingly, Ronald had hoped she’d pursue football instead, thinking it easier to start young. Yibbi’s mother intervened, insisting she play hockey, a decision Yibbi now appreciates. Her grandma also played a role, offering her a new bike as motivation to take hockey seriously.

Reflecting on her journey, Yibbi noted her early shyness. To help her overcome this, her grandma accompanied her to training sessions, where the promise of a bicycle motivated her to complete the drills. Yibbi started honing her drag flick technique at a young age, which allowed her to make technical adjustments more easily. She also studied men’s techniques for insights on power and speed, integrating those lessons into her own style with the help of her childhood coach, Toon Siepman.

Final Showdown

As Odisha prepares for the final against Soorma, Yibbi’s drag flick skills will be critical. However, Soorma, who topped the league stage and boasts an impressive field goal record, will pose a challenge. In their previous matchups, Yibbi struggled to score, and Soorma has a strong defense led by goalkeeper Savita Punia.

Soorma’s head coach, Jude Menezes, remains optimistic despite concerns over their Penalty Corner performance. They’ve scored the most field goals in the tournament, which is a positive sign. The final will likely hinge on who can effectively leverage their strengths. With Yibbi’s explosive ability to score from drag flicks, Odisha feels confident heading into the match.