Harendra Singh resigns: What really happened in Indian women’s hockey camp?

Harendra Singh was appointed as chief coach in April 2024.

The coach of the Indian women’s hockey team, Harendra Singh, stepped down from his role on Monday citing “personal reasons.” However, his sudden resignation has raised curiosity across the sporting fraternity, especially as it coincides with recent complaints about his “behaviour.”

In the press release issued by Hockey India, Harendra announced his decision with a brief statement, “Coaching the Indian women’s hockey team has been a privilege and a highlight of my career. Though personal reasons call me to step away, my heart remains with this extraordinary team and their ongoing success.”

But was it truly personal reasons?

According to a report by The Indian Express, the environment within the Indian women’s hockey camp had become tense in recent weeks. Several senior players reportedly complained about Harendra’s high-handed behaviour, not once, but multiple times. And his resignation came just days after these issues were formally raised.

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As per the report, a group of players approached the Indian hockey federation expressing that they did not wish to continue playing under Harendra. This triggered an inquiry at the national camp.

The matter appeared serious enough that Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey and secretary-general Bhola Nath Singh travelled to the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in Bengaluru to speak to the players directly.

And during these discussions, the officials realised that it is in fact true that most of the players from the Indian national women’s hockey team had lost trust in their coach.

A source told the Indian Express, “After speaking to the players, Hockey India officials realised that at least half of the team did not want to continue playing under Harendra because of various reasons, ranging from how he handled the team to the rising number of injuries and the poor performances. Hence, it was decided to part ways with him before the situation deteriorated further.”

Also Read: FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2025: Full schedule, fixtures, results, live streaming details

Harendra was appointed chief coach in April 2024 after India failed to qualify for the Paris Olympics. His tenure began on a positive note when the team won the Asian Champions Trophy in November 2024.

However, results soon dipped. India struggled through the 2024–25 FIH Women’s Pro League, winning only 2 of their 16 matches and finishing last, leading to relegation. Recently, the team also lost the Asia Cup final to China, putting their qualification for the 2026 World Cup at risk.

Reports suggest players had started raising concerns about Harendra as early as three to four months ago. Initially complaints were made to senior officials at the national camp but now it appeared again last week, that prompted Hockey India to escalate the investigation.

On Monday morning, federation officials met the players in Bengaluru. By evening, Harendra had resigned, officially for “personal reasons”, though circumstances indicate that other factors may have played a role.

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