Hockey India ended its association with women’s national team chief coach Harendra Singh on Monday.
The chapter was brought to a close after a series of complaints were received from senior players and a mounting decline in performances.
Although the federation formally announced that Harendra had stepped down, citing "personal reasons", the circumstances surrounding his exit point to something else.
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Why did Harendra Singh quit as India's Women's Hockey team coach?
According to The Indian Express, several senior players approached the Union Sports Ministry to voice their grievances about Singh, on what they perceived as his "high-handedness", and were unwilling to continue under his leadership.
The report mentions that it was not the first time that the players had raised a complaint against the veteran coach. A senior player did confess to the national daily that they had earlier raised the issue "around three or four months ago" with the Target Olympic Podium division of the ministry, while a national camp was being overseen by Singh.
The latest round of complaints, however, prompted the ministry to demand a full inquiry. President Dilip Tirkey and Secretary-General Bhola Nath Singh led the inquiry as the duo flew to Bengaluru, where a national camp is currently being held.
The senior officials reportedly held meetings with every player and came to the conclusion that "at least half of the team" was averse to Singh's methods. They were frustrated with his handling of the squad, the increasing number of injuries under his tenure, and the dwindling results. The environment was deemed increasingly untenable, and the governing body opted to part ways to avoid further damage.
Anonymous letter adds to turmoil
The Express further reported that an unsigned and undated letter was sent to the authorities, where further grievances found voice. The letter accused Singh of "mental harassment", "putting the players under extreme pressure” and talking “nicely only to the captain and vice-captain". A Hockey India official acknowledged possession of the letter but could not confirm its authenticity.
“Roughly 10-11 players are facing injury of one or the other kind and they were asked to hide them. A few players sensed a culture of favouritism, which created a bad team environment. All this had a negative impact on the team’s performance,” the player confided to Express.
What did Hockey India say about Harendra's exit?
Tirkey wished Singh the best, saying, "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."
Meanwhile, Singh said: "Coaching the Indian women’s hockey team has been a privilege that has been a highlight of my career. Though personal reasons call me to step away, my heart remains with this extraordinary team and their ongoing success. I will always cherish my journey with Hockey India and continue to support their efforts to take Indian hockey to the highest levels of achievement."
Bhola Nath Singh further added: "We extend our support to Harendra Singh and (thank him for) his contributions to the team. We wish him the very best."
Who will be the next coach of the India Women's Hockey team?
Hockey India has reportedly begun exploring its options for a new head coach. Dutchman Sjoerd Marijne, who famously guided the Indian women to a historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics, is one of the names on the shortlist.
Australian legend Ric Charlesworth is also believed to be in the running. Marijne was recently in India and visited the Kalinga Stadium, where Hockey India was celebrating 100 years of Indian hockey. He met with former players like Deep Grace Ekka during the occasion.