Harendra Singh Steps Down as Indian Womens Hockey Coach Amid Team Reshuffle

In a significant development for Indian hockey, Harendra Singh has resigned as the head coach of the Indian women’s hockey team, bringing an abrupt end to his latest tenure with the national squad. His departure marks yet another shift in the coaching landscape for a team that has undergone several transitions over the past decade as it strives to rise in the global rankings.

Harendra Singh, a seasoned coach with decades of experience and multiple stints with Indian hockey, took charge of the women’s team with the aim of strengthening its tactical foundation and preparing it for major international tournaments. His resignation submitted to Hockey India earlier this week has prompted discussions about what led to the decision and what it means for the team moving forward.

Sources close to the federation indicate that the resignation, while sudden, may not have been entirely unexpected. Reports suggest differences over long-term strategy, training intensity, and player development approaches may have created friction behind the scenes. While neither Hockey India nor Harendra Singh has publicly detailed the reasons, insiders hint that performance expectations and structural disagreements played a role.

Despite the challenges, Harendra was widely respected for his deep understanding of the game. His previous stints, including coaching the men’s team to a historic Junior World Cup victory in 2016, cemented his status as one of the country’s most capable coaches. His return to the women’s team was seen as an effort to replicate that success and elevate the squad's competitiveness on the global stage.

The timing of the resignation is particularly sensitive. The Indian women’s team is in the middle of preparation cycles for upcoming international assignments, including the Asian Champions Trophy and the build-up to qualification events for global tournaments.

A leadership transition at this stage raises concerns about continuity, especially in areas like defensive structure, penalty corner execution, and physical conditioning key components Harendra emphasised during his tenure.

Players, while maintaining professionalism, are reportedly processing the sudden shift. For a team that relies heavily on tactical clarity and cohesion, adapting to new strategies under an incoming coach will take time.

Hockey India has acknowledged the resignation and is expected to initiate the search for a new head coach immediately. Officials have indicated that the next coach whether Indian or foreign will be chosen based on experience, global exposure, and the ability to cultivate a long-term development roadmap for the squad.

The federation is expected to consider candidates with strong credentials in modern hockey dynamics, including high-press systems, fluid transitions, and specialised drag-flick training.

Harendra Singh’s exit once again highlights the broader issue of coaching instability in Indian women’s hockey. Over the past few years, the team has seen multiple coaches come and go, each bringing different philosophies. While variety can be valuable, frequent changes often disrupt consistency something crucial for a developing team.

Fans and experts emphasise that beyond appointing a new coach, Indian hockey must prioritise sustainable planning, greater investment in grassroots talent, and psychological support systems for athletes.

As the federation moves ahead, the hope is that the women’s team can quickly regain stability and continue its pursuit of becoming a formidable force in international hockey.