I have three major tournaments and it's a great chance to prove myself, says Harendra Singh

I have three major tournaments and it's a great chance to prove myself, says Harendra Singh

no photo

Indian hockey team coach Harendra Singh is determined to well in his new role and stated that the three major tournaments lined up this year would be a great chance to prove him worth. He insisted that the transition for the Indian team won’t be difficult and he would only make minor changes.

After coaching at nearly all levels of Indian hockey, Harendra Singh, finally, has found the position of the Indian men’s Hockey team coach. On the outlooks of it, the coaching tenure of Harendra would be under lots of scrutiny, given the high level tournaments lined up this year. First up is the Champions Trophy next month, which will be followed by the Asian Games and then the World Cup.

Harendra insisted that the transition would not be difficult for the Indian team as he has worked with almost all the players on the hockey team.  

“I have worked with the men's teams for many years. So for me, the transition is not difficult. I know every player, in and out. It's very smooth coming from the women's team to the men's,” Harendra Singh told TOI on the sidelines of national camp. 

He revealed that he would not be looking to make any drastic changes in the structure of the team and would only look to improve the playing style and make minor adjustments. 

“What we need to do is find modalities that suit players. I'm not going to drastically change the structure. I am only looking to improve the playing style and make minor adjustments,” he said. 

 “We need to work on scoring goals. Another major area we need to work on is defending in our circle and ensuring we do not concede penalty corners. After the change to four quarters, the game has become very fast. Strength and speed is the main criteria. There's a thin line between winning and losing and the time has come to breach that line.”

Harendra insisted that he was under no pressure, considering the hire and fire attitude of the federation and stated that if he would be successful then the federation would have no reason to fire him.  

He insisted that with three big tournaments coming up, it would be a great opportunity for him to prove himself at the highest level. 

“It's a big opportunity and I'm ready for it. I have three major tournaments and it's a great chance to prove myself,” he said. 

He revealed that he would not be looking to make too many changes in the squad and would focus on form and fitness. He stated that the players have the potential to make history and should be thinking about it. 

“I'm only looking at fitness and form. There is no excess baggage. We have a World Cup in our backyard. It's a huge opportunity for the players and the public. From 1975 till today, we have not even played in the semifinals of a World Cup. All 48 should start thinking about making history. Why can't such a talented bunch of players do it? They should want to be part of history in front of their country with a billion people watching,” he added. 

Predict the NBA Conference & WIN CASH PRIZES! Play Dunkathon Challenge now!

Join & Play NOW! Click here here to download Nostra Pro & get ₹40 Joining Bonus!

Win Cash Daily on NostraGamus! Just predict the right result for ANY Sports Match. Click here download the game on Android! To know more, visit Nostragamus.in

Get updates! Follow us on

Open all