New Head Coach of Women’s National Team “Sakura Japan”

Japan Hockey Association

To whom it may concern,

Please allow us to begin by extending our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support of the business operations of Japan Hockey Association.

This time, Japan Hockey Association is delighted to announce that Jude Menezes will join our team as the new Women’s Team, Sakura Japan Head Coach.

Menezes has worked with Hockey New Zealand since 2014. He has served as an assistant coach as well as team manager and GK coach for Black Sticks Women.

He has excellent experience and knowledge under one of the strong team in the world. (World Ranking 8th New Zealand Women)

Menezes represented India, Goal Keeper,133 caps. He played at 1998&2002 World Cups and Sydney Olympics

We believe his leadership and personality will build great rapport with our players and staff. We are excited that he will bring positive breeze and impact to Sakura Japan to bloom and step forward.

Menezes will lead the team from the Asian Championship Trophy coming up from 5th December to 12th December at Donghae, Korea.

Brief History of Jude Menezes

Name: Jude Menezes
DOB: 8th May, 1971
Originally from: India(Mumbai)
Nationality: New Zealand

Name	Jude Menezes
Birthday	May 8, 1971
Place of Birth	Mumbai, India
Nationality	New Zealand
Coaching History	※ Your main Career as a coach since 2014-2021 with hockey New Zealand 2014　GK Coach of NZ Women’s National Team (3rd in Commonwealth Games) 　　　 Head Coach of NZ U21 Women’s National Team 2015 GK Coach of NZ Women’s National Team 　　　 (2nd in World League Final, 2nd in Oceania Cup) 2016 GK Coach and Team Manager of NZ Women’s National Team 4th in Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games 2017 GK Coach and Team Manager of NZ Women’s National Team 　　 (2nd in Oceania Cup, 42th in World League, 33th World League) 2018 GK Coach and Team Manager of NZ Women’s National Team 　　　(Champion in Commonwealth Games, Participation in World Cup) 　　　 Assistant Coach of NZ U21 Men’s National Team (Participation in Sultan Johor Cup) 2019-2021 Assistant Coach of NZ Women’s National Team 　　　 (Champion in 2020 Oceania Cup, 8th in Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games)
Playing History	・133 Caps as a GK in India National Team ・7th in 2000 Sydney Olympics Games ・2 times World Cups participation (1998 Utrecht, 2002 Kuala Lumpur)

<Comments from Jude Menezes＞

I am thrilled with the opportunity to work with Sakura Japan. I believe that the team possesses huge potential, and I am excited to be working together with the staff and athletes to open their minds to options and plans of action in order to grow collectively.