New Delhi: He never got the opportunity to represent India at the Olympics as a player but Harendra Singh is hopeful of living that dream in a different way – as the coach of the senior men’s hockey team at the 2020 Tokyo Games.
Considered the ‘Man Friday’ of Indian hockey, Harendra claimed ‘nothing is impossible’ for him. Barely a month into the high-profile job, he is clear about his goals – securing podium finishes in the upcoming Champions Trophy and the season-ending World Cup, retaining the Asian Games gold in Jakarta — which will provide a direct ticket to the 2020 Olympics.
“Yes, I never got the opportunity to compete at the Olympics and that will always remain the biggest regret of my playing career. But now I have an opportunity to be at the big stage in a different capacity,” Harendra told this agency before leaving for the Champions Trophy in Breda, the Netherlands.
Even though he didn’t have a stellar playing career, Harendra’s exploits as a mentor are incomparable and he is the only FIH certificate holder coach in India.
“The year 2018 is a very crucial year for Indian hockey with three important tournaments around. I agree I didn’t have enough time with the team but my goal is clear from day one – podium finishes in Champions Trophy and World Cup and gold in Asiad which will ensure our ticket to Tokyo Olympics,” asserted the coach.
I deal with each player individually, define their roles. I feel individual coaching is more important than team coaching
Harendra Singh
“These players are not new to me. I have coached all of them at one point or the other. The core group of players knows my working style inside out,” added the lanky Harendra, who last coached the men’s senior team back in 2009.
Asked how realistic his ambitions are, a confident Harendra replied: “Nothing is impossible and I have proved that time again, be it with the junior men’s team or the women’s side.”
Harendra is confident that preparations have been up to the mark for the upcoming Champions Trophy. “The team are physically and mentally in best shape. We only have to work upon penalty corners, goal scoring rate, ball possession etc,” Harendra pointed out.
“We have had psychology, physiology sessions, besides working on technical aspects and now it’s the time for the players to deliver on the field,” added Harendra.