Monday was expected to be a regular training day at the Sports Authority of India’s Bengaluru Centre, where the Indian women’s hockey squad is preparing for the upcoming season. Instead, it spiralled into turmoil with the sudden resignation of head coach Harendra Singh, who cited “personal reasons”.
Players Accuse Coaching Staff Of ‘High-Handedness’
Sources told Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net) the exit followed a strongly worded letter from senior players to the Sports Ministry, accusing Harendra and his staff of “high-handedness, favouritism and mental harassment”. The players alleged they were asked to hide injuries during selection trials, with 12 to 13 players currently injured, a factor they believe contributed to the team’s poor performances.
An unsigned letter circulated later in the day, which Telecom Asia Sport is in possession of, stated that players were unwilling to attend the national camp in such an environment. It warned that future medals should not be expected if the current staff continued, adding that the coach “only spoke nicely to the captain and vice-captain”.
Concerns Escalated To Sai And The Sports Ministry
According to sources, senior players first raised their concerns with the SAI Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), followed by a formal letter to the Sports Ministry a few days ago.
Following the complaint, the ministry directed Hockey India (HI) to investigate. HI officials, including president Dilip Tirkey and secretary-general Bhola Nath Singh, visited the SAI Centre in Bengaluru on Monday and held one-on-one meetings with the players. It is learnt that nearly half the squad made it clear they did not want to continue under Harendra, prompting HI to part ways with him.
Harendra Exits With A Measured Note
Coaching the Indian women’s hockey team has been a privilege that has been a highlight of my career. 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 and continue to support their efforts to take Indian hockey to the highest levels of achievement.
The 56-year-old, who has previously coached both the men’s and women’s national teams, took charge again in April 2024 following Janneke Schopman’s departure. He was handed a four-year contract until the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after India failed to qualify for the 2024 Paris Games.
Under his second stint, India won the Asian Champions Trophy in 2024, but a series of disappointing results followed, including relegation from the FIH Pro League 2024–2025 after finishing last.
Search For A Successor Begins
With a new season fast approaching, Hockey India has begun shortlisting candidates, with former women’s coach Sjoerd Marijne and Australian legend Ric Charlesworth among the names doing the rounds.
The development comes just weeks before the Women’s Hockey India League and the FIH Pro League in February. The 2026 Women’s World Cup qualifiers are also scheduled for February–March.
