Returning from a coaching stint in the USA, Harendra Singh took on the role of head coach for the Indian women’s hockey team earlier this year. For the players, it was a warm reunion with a familiar face; for Harendra, it felt like a ‘ghar wapsi’ – a homecoming.
With the Tokyo Olympics marking the team’s high point, the disappointment of not qualifying for Paris 2024 was a blow, and Harendra knew a complete rebuild was necessary. His mission? To set the team on a path towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Pressing reset button for India Women’s Hockey Team
When Harendra rejoined the team, he sensed the players were dejected, their spirits dampened by the missed opportunity for Paris 2024. “We knew India deserved to win a medal at the Paris Olympics but unfortunately they didn’t qualify,” he told Indian Express. To inspire a fresh start, he introduced the concept of ‘Mission 2028,’ hoping the players would embrace the goal of winning Olympic gold a century after India’s men’s team first achieved this feat in 1928.
The team’s new WhatsApp group was named “Mission 2028,” following a strategy that he successfully used in 2016 with India’s junior World Cup team. “It’s to make the players think they want to be part of this legacy,” Harendra said, highlighting that he wants the team to dream with “eyes and minds open.”
Building resilience at Naval Academy Camp
A critical part of Harendra’s reset involved an intensive boot camp held at the Indian Naval Academy in Kerala. The camp, organised in late July, incorporated challenging activities like boat-pulling, obstacle courses, night camps, and tug-of-war contests to build both physical and mental toughness. Harendra explained, “People in the army and navy know how to work to maximise their output with limited resources. It’s not every time you will get what you want. Are you ready to mentally prepare yourself for that?”
Though some players were initially uncertain, they adapted quickly, and Harendra noted how donning specially designed commando uniforms boosted their confidence. “The bonding between players also really improved after the camp,” he said, attributing this to the challenges they overcame together.
Playing ‘Indian Masala Hockey’
Harendra’s philosophy of “Indian masala hockey” emphasises the distinctive style of Indian hockey, combining skilful stickwork with a fast-paced, attacking mindset. “The whole world gets scared to face the Indian-style masala hockey,” he explained. His goal is to foster an aggressive, forward-focused team: “More circle entries, more shots, more goals.” Harendra sees the return of this style, common decades ago but enhanced today by higher fitness and speed, as key to India’s identity on the field.
Focusing on Future with Youth and Fitness
Looking ahead to the Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) in November, Harendra Singh has selected a squad that features younger players, giving them a chance to gain experience under pressure. While veteran Vandana Katariya was not selected, Harendra clarified, “Vandana is not injured; she is so vastly experienced and is still a big motivation for the group. I wanted to give youngsters a chance.”
Harendra’s efforts are already showing results, as players have reported feeling “light, energetic,” and strong enough to compete with the world’s best. Reflecting on the team’s improvement in the Pro League, he stated, “If in two weeks we can improve that much, imagine what we can do in four years.”
Under Harendra’s guidance, the Indian women’s team is on a determined path to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, aiming to bring home a medal and etch their names in history.
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