Vocal for local: National Women's hockey chief coach believes investing in home grown talent is the way forward

Time of India

3 days ago

Harendra Singh (left), India's women's hockey chief coach and former India goalkeeper Baljit Singh and P Shanmugam. (TOI)
Bengaluru:
The best coaches, it is said, are thieves who steal ideas from others to be on top of their game. Hockey India plans to do just that with its internship initiative for coaches with national teams.
It aims to pool resources, borrow ideas and build teams for the future.
Harendra Singh, India's women's hockey chief coach, is at the heart of the initiative and he believes it is a step in the right direction. At SAI, South Centre on Tuesday, as India's hockey teams continue the process of rebuilding with an eye on the 2028 Paris Olympics, Harendra told TOI the country should have in-house production of coaches and use their expertise, especially if it plans to host the 2036 Olympics.
'The process of building teams should include coaches as well,' Harendra said. 'I feel a lot of Indian coaches want to work at a higher level, but either don't have the opportunities or hesitate to come forward. These new coaches are eager to learn. International resources are doing a good job, but it is important to give our homegrown coaches opportunities.'
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
SUBSCRIBE NOW!
On picking coaches for the one-week internship programme, Harendra said: 'Hockey India and we sat together and decided to call coaches from various state units and academies who we think can help prepare Indian hockey for the future.
They come in and train with the senior teams for a week. They also give their inputs and ideas to coaching staff.'
Harendra insists it's a long-term investment. 'It certainly isn't like instant coffee, but the initiative will pay rich dividends in the long run. These coaches are far more foresighted and technically equipped and can serve hockey for a long time.'
Baljit, Shanmugam join coaching staff
Former India goalkeeper Baljit Singh, who lost vision in his right eye in a freak accident at a national camp in July 2009, made his comeback to the national setup last week.
The injury ended the keeper's career, but the 43-year-old now has another lease with the game. He has been roped in by Harendra to coach goalkeepers along with Dutch consultant Simon Zijp, who will continue to conduct regular short-term camps.
Poll
Do you think the internship initiative for coaches will positively impact Indian hockey's future?
Yes, it will enhance coaching quality.
No, it won't make a significant difference.
For Baljit, who has coached in Punjab and at a private academy, this is his first stint with the national team.
'An unfortunate incident cut short his national team career, but I believe Baljit is one of the best goalkeepers the country has produced,' said Harendra.
'This is his first coaching assignment with the national team, and he is eager to give back to the sport. I believe he has a lot to offer.'
Former junior international and seasoned coach from Karnataka, P Shanmugam, has also been roped in. The Canara Bank employee brings over two decades of coaching experience at the grassroots level.
'Shanmugam is working on developing basic skills and the first touch, which I was also doing. We need a helping hand, and he is the best in business,' Harendra said.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!