Harendra Singh (field hockey)

Harendra Singh is an accomplished Indian field hockey coach and former international player, widely recognised for his contributions to both the men’s and women’s national hockey teams of India. Over the past three decades, he has been instrumental in nurturing young hockey talent, guiding national teams to international success, and elevating India’s stature in the global hockey community.

Early Life and Playing Career

Harendra Singh was born on 15 November 1969 in Chhapra, Bihar. He developed a passion for hockey during his school years and went on to refine his skills while studying at Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College, Delhi University. Playing as a half-back, he became known for his discipline, tactical awareness, and teamwork.
He represented Air India at the domestic level and was selected to play for the Indian national team. His most notable early achievement as a player came at the 1990 Asian Games in Beijing, where India won the silver medal. Despite his promise, Harendra’s playing career was short-lived; he retired from competitive hockey in his mid-twenties due to injuries and dissatisfaction with the administrative system in Indian hockey.

Transition to Coaching

After his retirement as a player, Harendra Singh turned to coaching, beginning with grassroots and junior-level teams. His dedication and innovative approach quickly gained recognition, leading to appointments at both domestic and international levels. Over the years, he has held several major coaching positions in Indian and global hockey.

Major Coaching Roles and Achievements

• Head Coach, Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team (2016): Harendra led the junior men’s team to a historic FIH Junior Hockey World Cup victory in 2016, held in Lucknow. This triumph was India’s first junior world title in two decades and showcased his ability to build a cohesive and mentally strong team.
• Head Coach, Indian Women’s National Hockey Team (2017): Under his leadership, the women’s team won the 2017 Women’s Hockey Asia Cup, defeating China in the final. The victory was a landmark achievement, marking India’s resurgence in women’s hockey at the continental level.
• Head Coach, Indian Men’s National Hockey Team (2018): Harendra became the first full-time Indian head coach of the men’s national team since 2008. He guided the team to a silver medal at the 2018 Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy, and India also reached the quarterfinals of the 2018 Hockey World Cup in Bhubaneswar under his direction.
• Head Coach, USA Men’s Hockey Team (2021): His coaching expertise was recognised internationally when he was appointed as the head coach of the United States men’s national hockey team, helping to strengthen their structure and competitiveness.
• Head Coach, Indian Women’s Team (Reappointed 2024): In April 2024, Harendra returned as head coach of the Indian women’s hockey team to rebuild the squad for the upcoming Olympic cycle. His primary focus is on improving consistency, enhancing tactical awareness, and fostering a winning mindset among players.

Coaching Style and Philosophy

Harendra Singh’s coaching philosophy revolves around discipline, teamwork, and adaptability. He believes in building teams through process-oriented training, focusing equally on fitness, psychological strength, and tactical versatility. His methods combine traditional Indian flair with modern European hockey techniques, enabling players to handle high-pressure situations effectively.
He emphasises player empowerment, encouraging athletes to take ownership of their performance while maintaining a collective identity. His approach to coaching younger players is particularly noted for nurturing confidence and promoting leadership within the team.

Challenges and Objectives

Harendra’s coaching journey has included both achievements and challenges. Among the key challenges he has faced are:

• Rebuilding teams during transition phases following the retirement of senior players.
• Addressing structural and administrative issues within the sport.
• Ensuring Indian teams remain competitive against top-tier nations that have greater access to resources and infrastructure.

As of his current tenure, his main objective is to revitalise the Indian women’s hockey team, strengthen their technical foundation, and lead them to consistent performances in international tournaments, particularly with the goal of Olympic qualification and success.

Contributions and Legacy

Harendra Singh’s impact on Indian hockey extends beyond trophies and titles. His legacy lies in:

• Youth Development: Cultivating a generation of players who have gone on to represent India at senior levels.
• Modernisation of Coaching: Introducing scientific training methods, data analysis, and structured conditioning programmes.
• Gender Inclusivity: Successfully coaching both men’s and women’s national teams, a rare feat in international hockey.
• Leadership Inspiration: Setting a precedent for Indian coaches to lead at the highest levels globally, breaking the dominance of foreign coaches in Indian hockey.

Personal Attributes and Recognition

Known for his assertive yet approachable personality, Harendra Singh combines technical knowledge with emotional intelligence. His ability to motivate players and foster team unity has earned him respect among athletes and peers alike.
He has been honoured with various awards and recognitions for his contributions to Indian hockey, including appreciation from the Hockey India Federation for his achievements at both junior and senior levels.