In a sudden and major shake-up for Indian hockey, Harendra Singh has resigned as the head coach of the Indian women’s hockey team with immediate effect. The announcement came on Monday notably the opening day of the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup in Chile catching fans and the hockey fraternity by surprise.
Harendra Singh, who took charge in April 2024 on a long-term contract extending through 2028, leaves the position after less than a year. His departure follows a challenging stretch for the senior women’s squad, including a disappointing run in the FIH Pro League, where India finished at the bottom and now faces relegation.
A Short Tenure with High Expectations
When Singh stepped into the role, there was optimism that his vast coaching experience would revive the women’s team’s fortunes. However, the squad struggled to build momentum on the global stage. A combination of defensive lapses, inconsistent execution, and lack of finishing saw India fall behind top teams like the Netherlands, Australia, and Belgium.
The underwhelming Pro League campaign appears to have been a crucial catalyst for change at the leadership level.
Hockey India Responds, Focuses on Transition
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey extended a warm and respectful thank you to Harendra Singh for his service:
“We appreciate his efforts and wish him the very best for his future endeavors.”
The federation will now move quickly to install a new head coach, especially with crucial international fixtures scheduled in 2025 including Olympic qualifiers and Asian championship opportunities where India’s redemption will be put to the test.
Will Sjoerd Marijne Return to Lead the Squad Again?
Sources have hinted at a possible comeback for Sjoerd Marijne, the Dutch coach who previously guided India to a historic 4th-place finish at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, capturing global praise and inspiring the nation.
Marijne’s coaching style is known for:
- Aggressive counter-attacking setups
- Empowering young talent
- Strong team bonding and mental resilience
His return, if confirmed, could reignite confidence among players and fans, while restoring India’s competitive edge.
However, an official announcement is awaited, and Hockey India is expected to evaluate multiple candidates before finalizing the next move.
All Eyes on the Juniors in Chile
Even as leadership transitions take shape within the senior team, India’s attention shifts to the future literally. The Indian junior women’s squad has begun its campaign in the Women’s Junior World Cup, opening against Namibia in Chile.
This tournament will serve as:
- A platform to showcase the rising stars of Indian hockey
- A crucial assessment for the next generation of elite players
- A confidence-building opportunity during a key restructuring period
Their performance could influence the strategies adopted by the next senior-team coach as the pipeline between junior and senior squads strengthens.
A Pivotal Moment for Indian Women’s Hockey
The sudden resignation highlights a transitional phase for the team:
- Leadership change amid performance struggles
- Possibility of a celebrated former coach’s return
- Heavy reliance on the junior team to shape upcoming talent
- Major competitions approaching fast
India’s women have delivered historic highs in recent years most notably the Tokyo Olympics campaign that brought global admiration. Fans and stakeholders now hope that a strong leadership reset will revive that same resilience and top-tier competitiveness.
As the search for a new coach intensifies, one thing remains clear:
Indian women’s hockey is determined to bounce back stronger and the next chapter begins now.
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