Harendra Singh complains biasness over remuneration from Hockey India

As Hockey India continues to carry out a search for a new chief coach for the Indian men’s hockey team, former coach Harendra has lashed out at the board citing biasness over his remuneration. The former Indian coach, who was shown the doors by HI after the World Cup in December, has complained that his payment was lesser compared to the foreign coaching staff that worked under him during his tenure.

“I felt humiliated. The people who worked under me were getting three times my salary. My anguish over this disparity went unheard, even though I kept reminding the people concerned to do something about it,” Harendra told Hindustan Times.

“Still, when they demoted me and asked me to take charge of the junior men’s team, I didn’t say ‘no’. If they consider my terms and conditions, I will accept the new job.”

Harendra was soon asked to vacate the position in the senior team and was demoted to the India junior side which had earlier won the Junior World Cup under his guidance in 2016. India had lost the quarter-final game against the Netherlands in the senior World Cup that ensured their exit from the tournament at home.

“In a democratic setup, one needs to listen to both sides. But the people authorised by Hockey India to analyse the performance never heard my side of the story. I should also have been made a part of the process as per the existing policy,” alleged Harendra.

“Finally, I wrote to the HI bosses and I don’t think those details need to be discussed in the open. They only need yes men. Even the selection panel is full of such people.”