The sudden resignation of senior women's hockey team coach Harendra Singh from a training camp in Bengaluru has exposed deep fissures within the squad. While the official reason cited was 'personal reasons,' the move appears to be the culmination of months of simmering unrest between the coach and a group of senior players.
The 18-Point Letter and Allegations of Harassment
Multiple sources have confirmed that the discontent had been brewing for a long time. The situation reached a breaking point when eight senior members of the team submitted a detailed 18-point letter to the Sports Ministry and Hockey India (HI). This letter, now in possession of media outlets, outlines a series of grave allegations of mental harassment against Harendra Singh.
It is reported that the players had earlier raised their concerns with officials from the Sports Authority of India's (SAI) Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey and secretary Bhola Nath Singh met with the players on Monday to address the issue, and the federation is now formally looking into the allegations.
A Sport at a Breaking Point: Warnings from Former Stars
The controversy has prompted strong reactions from former players and coaches, who warn that women's hockey in India is at a critical juncture. Former India captain Pritam Rani Siwach did not mince words, stating that the sport is 'in doldrums.'
"If steps aren't taken now, we'll slip back three decades. The 2028 LA Olympics — and the one after — will remain a distant dream," Pritam cautioned. She acknowledged that internal politics are not new, pointing out that some players nearing the end of their careers may try to politicize situations to stay relevant, but stressed that the matter needs a thorough and impartial investigation.
Another former player used a Hindi idiom to describe the situation: "Jab taange bolna band ho jaatein hain, tab unka munh khul jaata hai" (when legs stop performing as careers wind down, mouths open to politicize things). Former coaches also highlighted the unique challenges of coaching a women's team in India, describing it as a 'double-edged sword' for a male Indian coach due to differing player expectations.
The Path Clears for Sjoerd Marijne's Controversial Return
In a related late-night development, Hockey India advertised for the positions of head coach, analytical coach, and scientific advisor, confirming the exit of Dave Smolenaars and Edison Elias as well. However, sources indicate that the stage is being set for the return of former coach Sjoerd Marijne as the chief coach.
Marijne's previous stint was marked by turbulence. He first arrived in February 2017 to coach the women's team, was shifted to the men's team later that year, and swapped roles with Harendra Singh again within nine months. He led the women's team at the Tokyo Olympics before leaving in 2021. His 2022 book, which made allegations against players, sparked a legal battle, leading to a public apology in August 2023. His potential return is already facing skepticism from some quarters.
With the team's performances under scrutiny and the national camp itself in the spotlight, the road to recovery for Indian women's hockey will demand transparent investigation, honest dialogue, and bold leadership decisions to restore stability and focus on future Olympic goals.
