Harendra Singh, the current head coach of the Indian women's national field hockey team, is setting his sights on elevating the team's performance and ensuring they regain their position as a top contender in international hockey. Despite a recent silver medal at the Asia Cup, Harendra is not content and believes the team is capable of much more. He has identified key areas that need improvement, focusing on composure, sharper shots, and effective circle play.

Harendra's approach involves a detailed post-mortem analysis of the team's performance, particularly in crucial matches like those against China in the Asia Cup. While acknowledging China's strength as an Olympic finalist and a formidable team, he believes the gap between the two sides isn't insurmountable. He pinpointed the final quarter of the matches against China as a period where India lost momentum due to a failure in counter control, leading to "unwarranted goals".

To address these shortcomings, Harendra is implementing a template focused on improving counter control, player marking, and increasing shots on goal. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining possession and avoiding "silly mistakes" that can be costly against top-tier opponents. A key aspect of his strategy involves structuring the team for better counter control, which he believes could have prevented crucial goals in past matches.

Beyond technical adjustments, Harendra also recognizes the need to instill a strong attacking mindset within the team. He encourages more circle entries, shots, and goals, aiming to bring back the "Indian-style masala hockey" that blends flair with strategic play. This approach combines traditional Indian hockey elements with modern improvements in speed, fitness levels, and penalty corner defenses.

Harendra's return to the Indian women's hockey team has been met with excitement and a sense of "ghar wapsi". After the team's failure to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics, he has been tasked with rebuilding and motivating the team for future competitions, with a focus on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Fitness is a primary focus, and he has previously implemented unconventional methods like a military-style boot camp to build the team's physical and mental resilience.

With a clear vision and a comprehensive plan, Harendra Singh is determined to guide the Indian women's hockey team back to the top. His focus on addressing weaknesses, enhancing attacking prowess, and fostering a strong team spirit could be the key to unlocking the team's full potential.