Harendra Singh's Resignation A Result Of Player Complaints Over 'Antiquated, Dictatorial' Style Of Coaching: Report

Last Updated:December 03, 2025, 19:24 IST

Recent reports, however, suggest that Singh's resignation was prompted by a series of players' complaints against his antiquated and dictatorial style of working.

Harendra Singh. (X)

Former Indian women’s hockey team head coach Harendra Singh stepped down from his role at the helm on Monday, citing personal reasons.

Recent reports, however, suggest that Singh’s resignation was prompted by a series of players’ complaints against his antiquated and dictatorial style of working.

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Sources have revealed that the players had long been frustrated with his working style and reported mental harassment to Hockey India, SAI TOPS officials, and the Sports Ministry last week.

According to Sports Ministry sources, Hockey India quickly acknowledged the players’ complaints and vowed to take immediate action. The players had criticized his authoritarian attitude, coaching methods, and the team’s declining performance. Additionally, SAI TOPS officials, who inspected the Bengaluru camp four months ago, also submitted a “negative" report.

Understanding the gravity of the situation, an investigation was conducted within four days with minimal disclosure. Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey and Secretary General Bholanath Singh traveled directly from the ongoing Junior Hockey World Cup in Chennai and Madurai to the Sports Authority of India in Bengaluru, where they interviewed players individually.

It has been reported that most players requested the replacement of the entire coaching staff, including the head coach.

Nearly all players rated Harendra Singh lower than former coaches Sjoerd Marijne and Janneke Schopman, stating that his presence was not benefiting the team.

After receiving the players’ feedback, his resignation was accepted. When asked if there were other allegations against the coach, a senior player said, “All our complaints were solely about hockey. We only had issues with his poor attitude and coaching methods and wanted a change.

“The team’s performance and fitness levels have significantly dropped, and poor coaching practices have led to injuries for over a dozen players. How can such a team win a medal?" the player asked.

Following Harendra’s departure, the women’s hockey team camp in Bengaluru was called off, and all players have returned home until further notice.

There is speculation about the return of Dutch coach Sjoerd Marijne, who led the team to a fourth-place finish at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, as head coach.

Players say that internal tensions were affecting performance, preventing them from reaching their full potential.

A senior player said, “We felt a lot of tension before matches, during matches, on the field, and in the changing room, and the atmosphere was becoming increasingly unpleasant.

“We were always blamed for the poor performance. Players in the team were constantly getting injured, a result of poor training."

Regarding claims that players were using the coach as a scapegoat, a player said, “Many believe the coach was made a scapegoat after the poor performance, or that senior players were playing politics.

“This is their opinion, but we know the truth. Only we know what was happening in our team. We weren’t seeing any improvement in our performance and were fed up with the coach’s attitude. That’s why we came forward and said we need a new coach," the player said.

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