As the Asian Champions Trophy kicks off in Rajgir, Bihar, the Indian women’s hockey team, coached by local hero Harendra Singh, steps onto familiar ground with high hopes. Hosting an international hockey tournament for the first time, Bihar is poised to witness a transformative chapter in its sports history. Harendra, hailing from Chhapra, Bihar, expressed his excitement and gratitude at the chance to lead the national team in his home state. “There are very few coaches in India who have had the privilege of coaching the Indian team in their birthplace…This is a matter of great happiness for me,” he shared, acknowledging the efforts of the Bihar government and Hockey India in making this event possible.
The tournament holds symbolic weight for the state, marking a significant leap forward in its ambitions to become a sports hub, an initiative envisioned by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar back in 2012. Rajgir Sports Complex, the venue for the tournament, stands as a testament to Bihar’s growing focus on nurturing athletic talent.
India’s Road to Redemption: Rajgir as First Step
The Indian team’s journey to the tournament comes after a tough loss in the Olympic Qualifiers, where they narrowly missed securing a spot for Paris 2024. As the team squares off against Malaysia in their opening game, Harendra Singh sees this tournament as the start of a four-year journey to qualify for the LA 2028 Olympics. “We have identified areas for improvement,” Harendra shared. “This championship is a great platform for players to see where they stand tactically, technically, speed-wise, and mentally.”
India’s campaign will not be easy. Alongside Malaysia, powerhouses like Japan, China, and South Korea are competing. While India leads the standings as defending champions, the team enters the tournament with an eight-match losing streak, a challenge Harendra and his team hope to break.
Building broader base in Indian Hockey
In the wake of recent losses, the team’s composition has seen significant changes. Harendra is focused on expanding the talent pool, giving fresh faces a platform to develop. Notable additions include Preeti Dubey, who returns to the fold, and young Manisha Chauhan, a new recruit who impressed during her debut against China.
Additionally, 17-year-old Sunelita Toppo, a rising star from Sundergarh, will be one to watch, especially after her promising performance earlier this year and a substantial bid in the Hockey India League auctions.
Tactical Focus for Women’s Asian Champions Trophy
Although Harendra refrained from making drastic changes in team preparation, tactical adjustments were made. “While technically the players are far better, tactically we had to address some areas,” he noted, underscoring the importance of clarity and cohesion in their style of play. A notable absence in the line-up is veteran Vandana Katariya, who was an instrumental force in India’s attack. Harendra, however, emphasised the importance of rotation, saying, “Our target is the LA Olympics…tournaments like these allow youngsters to show their talent and ensure the core group is broadened.”
Bihar’s Emerging Sports Culture
The Asian Champions Trophy is not just an international competition; it represents a turning point for Bihar’s sports landscape. Director General of the Bihar State Sports Authority, Ravindran Sankaran, highlighted Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s ambition for a “sports movement” within the state. Hosting a tournament of this calibre will inspire the youth, foster local talent, and enhance Bihar’s standing on the national sports scene.
Harendra urged the youth of Bihar to leverage this momentum, saying to TOI, “Bihar has changed after 75 years, and now it’s about changing mindsets. Hockey will initiate this change.” He hopes that Bihar’s budding athletes will take pride in these new facilities and aim for future Olympic success.
Bright Future for Indian Women’s Hockey
As India takes on Malaysia, Harendra and his team are focused on not just winning but also setting a tone for a disciplined and tactical journey to the 2028 Olympics. This tournament presents a chance for the players to refine their skills against Asia’s best, providing valuable experience. “It’s after all tournaments like these where youngsters are given a chance to ensure the core group gets broadened,” Harendra remarked, reflecting on the importance of competition in nurturing new talent.
Monday’s matches begin with Japan facing Korea, followed by China against Thailand, and then India versus Malaysia at 4:45 PM IST. Fans are eager to see India’s pursuit of victory as they rebuild their legacy and hope for a future where Bihar and India rise together on the global stage.
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