Hockey: Indian women’s hockey team coach Harendra Singh resigns
Harendra Singh resigns as coach of the Indian women's hockey team, surprising players ahead of crucial upcoming tournaments.
In a surprise development, Indian women’s hockey team coach Harendra Singh stepped down on Monday (December 1, 2025) with immediate effect.
The women’s team is currently training in Bengaluru ahead of the Hockey India League and the FIH Pro League starting in February. More importantly, the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup are also scheduled to be held in February-March.
“We thank Harendra Singh for his services. His commitment towards the development of Indian Hockey is well-known. We will announce a suitable replacement soon to ensure the team’s preparations continue as planned for the World Cup qualifiers,” Hockey India said in a statement.
Sources said the decision was shocking since no one in the team had any idea till late Sunday evening when senior players had a meeting with the coach. While former India coach Dutchman Sjoerd Marijne is being spoken about as one of the options, HI officials said nothing was finalised and there were a couple of names under consideration, a decision likely within a fortnight.
