Harendra Singh quits Indian womens hockey team chief coach post: Report
According to sources, Harendra Singh, who took charge in April 2024, sent an email to Hockey India informing them about his decision to resign with immediate effect.
Indian women's hockey team chief coach Harendra Singh resigned from his post on Monday, citing personal reasons, as per sources close to PTI.
Sources revealed that Sjoerd Marijne of the Netherlands, who was head coach of the women's side that finished fourth at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, could return to take the role of chief coach.
As per sources, Harendra sent an email to Hockey India informing them about his decision to resign with immediate effect. He stated that his decision to quit is due to personal reasons.
Hockey India president Dr Dilip Tirkey thanked Harendra for his efforts: "We thank Harendra Singh for his services and his exemplary experience. His commitment towards the development of Indian hockey is well-known in the community across the world. While we will announce a suitable replacement soon, we wish him the very best."
Harendra's rollercoaster reign
The former India player, who has held head coach posts of India's men's, women's and junior teams before his most recent stint, took over the reins of the Women In Blue in April 2024.
His first stint with the women's team started in September 2017. Under his guidance, the team went on to win the gold medal at the 2017 Women's Hockey Asia Cup.
His best result in his second stint with the India women's team was a second-place finish at the Women's Asia Cup 2025, where the team had to settle for a runners-up spot after a 1-4 loss to hosts China.
Not only did India miss a chance to add a third Asia Cup title, but it also failed to directly qualify for the 2026 FIH Women's World Cup, scheduled to be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands next year. The Indian team will now have to go through the qualifier route.