In a sudden and dramatic turn of events, Harendra Singh, the head coach of the Indian women's senior hockey team, submitted his resignation on Monday, stepping down with immediate effect. The development came in the middle of a crucial national camp at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) South Centre in Bengaluru, where the team had been training under him just days prior.
Sudden Exit and Official Statement
Harendra Singh, a Dhronacharya awardee and a veteran in the Indian coaching system since 1997, cited personal reasons for his abrupt departure. While the coach himself was unavailable for comment, Hockey India (HI) released an official statement quoting him. "Coaching the Indian women's hockey team has been a privilege that has been a highlight of my career," the statement read. It further expressed that while personal reasons compelled him to step away, his heart remained with the team and he would continue to support Indian hockey's progress.
This was Harendra's second stint with the women's team, having coached them from 2017 to 2018. He returned to the role in April last year after a period coaching the USA men's team. His tenure saw the team clinch the Asian Champions Trophy last year. However, this success was marred by significant setbacks, including the team's relegation from the FIH Pro League after securing only two wins and three draws in 16 matches. A major blow was the loss in the Asia Cup final, which cost India a direct qualification spot for the upcoming World Cup.
Underlying Tensions and Player Grievances
Harendra Singh's resignation, however, was not merely a personal decision. It occurred against a backdrop of simmering discontent within the squad. Reports indicate that a section of players had raised serious concerns with officials from SAI's Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and had also written formal complaints to both Hockey India and the sports ministry.
The players' grievances reportedly centred on three key issues:
- Gruelling training schedules alleged to have caused injuries to nearly a dozen players, many of whom are now in rehabilitation.
- Excessively lengthy team meetings.
- Allegations of favoritism in team management.
Adding credibility to these internal conflicts, the top brass of Hockey India, including president Dilip Tirkey and secretary general Bhola Nath Singh, cut short their stay at the FIH Junior Men's World Cup in Chennai to rush to Bengaluru. They held meetings with the players on Monday, where it was revealed that opinions about Harendra were split, pointing towards deeper issues of groupism and infighting affecting team harmony.
Future Uncertain, Search for New Coach Begins
Harendra Singh's sudden exit leaves a massive void and raises urgent questions about the future direction of the Indian women's hockey team, which has struggled to build on its fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics.
Hockey India has immediately begun the search for a new head coach, aiming to finalise the appointment by the end of this month. According to sources within HI, the frontrunner for the position is former chief coach Sjoerd Marijne of the Netherlands. Marijne, who stepped down after the Tokyo Games in 2021, later stirred controversy with a book on his experiences in Indian hockey.
In the interim, analytical coach Dave Smolenaars is expected to take charge of the team. The current national camp concludes on December 7, after which the players will disperse for a short break before regrouping for the Hockey India League.
Acknowledging the departing coach's contributions, Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey said, "We thank Harendra Singh for his services and his exemplary experience. His commitment towards the development of Indian hockey is well-known across the hockey community. We will announce a suitable replacement soon." The coming weeks will be critical for the team's stability as it navigates this unexpected leadership crisis.
