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Harendra steps down as India women’s hockey team coach
The 56-year-old had taken over in April 2024 after the team failed to qualify for the Paris Olympics
After being in-charge of the Indian women’s hockey team for 20 months, Harendra Singh took a sudden decision on Monday to step down as chief coach citing personal reasons.
“Coaching the Indian women’s hockey team has been a privilege that has been a highlight of my career,” Harendra said. “Though personal reasons call me to step away, my heart remains with this extraordinary team and their ongoing success. I will always cherish my journey with Hockey India (HI) and continue to support their efforts to take Indian hockey to the highest levels of achievement.”
The 56-year-old took over the team at a crucial juncture, following the resignation of his predecessor Janneke Schopman after India failed to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Harendra took charge of the Indian team midway through the 2023-24 Pro League season with the Salima Tete-led side losing all eight away matches in May-June 2024.
In his first full tournament as chief coach, Harendra guided the team to victory at the Asian Champions Trophy in Rajgir in November 2024. But the 2024-25 Pro League campaign from February to June turned out to be a disaster as India finished ninth and last to be relegated to the Nations Cup. Out of 16 games, India won only two, drawing three and losing 11. At the Asia Cup in September, the Harendra-coached team finished runners-up.
This was Harendra’s second stint with the women’s team, having coached them previously in 2017-18.
It has been reliably learnt from a couple of players that a rift had developed between some seniors and Harendra due to his strict coaching regimen, which led the coach to take the call.
“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 across the world. While we will announce a suitable replacement soon, we wish him the very best,” said HI president Dilip Tirkey.
Though it is still early, the name doing the rounds in hockey circles as Harendra’s replacement is Sjoerd Marijne. The Dutchman had coached the Indian women’s team to an unprecedented fourth place finish at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
Harendra’s decision comes ahead of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, to be held in February-March. By not winning the Pro League and Asia Cup, India has already missed two opportunities to qualify for the quadrennial showpiece.
The qualifiers will be the final chance for India to make it to the World Cup in Netherlands and Belgium. Having already missed the bus for the 2024 Olympics and then relegated from Pro League, non-qualification will entirely cut India off from the elite hockey nations.
“We further continue to ensure the Indian women’s team’s preparations will continue as planned for the qualifiers,” HI secretary general Bhola Nath Singh said.
