Harendra Singh resigns as Indian Women’s Hockey Team head coach, Hockey India confirms reason behind resignation

Indian women's hockey team chief coach Harendra Singh resigned with immediate effect, citing "personal reasons". Harendra had taken charge of the team in April last year and led India to victory in the Asian Champions Trophy in Rajgir in November.

However, under his guidance, the team also struggled in the FIH Pro League 2024-25, finishing last and facing relegation.

"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," said Harendra, who had previously coached the United States men's hockey team, in a statement released by Hockey India.

"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," he added.

Hockey India accepts resignation

Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey accepted the resignation and praised Harendra’s contribution, noting his success with the Indian junior men's team, which won the 2016 FIH Junior World Cup in Lucknow.

"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," Tirkey said.

He also added, "We will soon start the process of appointing a new coach. There were some complaints from players about his high handedness and strict attitude but this was not the issue behind his resignation."

ALSO READ: Not Gautam Gambhir, Ravichandran Ashwin credits Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid for India's aggressive batting intent in white ball cricket

ALSO READ: WATCH: Did Virat Kohli choose not to acknowledge Gautam Gambhir after India's win against South Africa?

Who will be new coach?

PTI reported that Dutch coach Sjoerd Marijne, who led India to a fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics 2021, could return as the chief coach. Marijne had resigned from the role in August 2021.

While winning the Asian Champions Trophy was a high point, the team’s performance in the FIH Pro League 2024-25 was a major disappointment. The side managed just two wins in 16 matches and failed to qualify for the next season.

Why did Harendra resign?

News agency PTI also reported that Harendra was asked to step down due to performance concerns.

"He was given everything he wanted, all his requests were accepted. But what is the performance of the team. In the last one-and-half years, we have not shown any result. In terms of fitness, 13 main players are injured in the core group," the source added.