The Indian women's hockey team faces a significant challenge as they strive to regain their form and international standing. After a string of disappointing performances, including relegation from the FIH Pro League, Hockey India has entrusted Harendra Singh with the responsibility of revitalizing the team.

Harendra Singh's appointment comes at a crucial juncture. The team, once brimming with promise after their fourth-place finish at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, has experienced a decline in recent years. The failure to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics led to a change in leadership, with Harendra Singh taking over as head coach for a second time.

One of the most pressing issues is the team's recent performance in the FIH Pro League. In the 2024-25 season, the team struggled, ultimately finishing at the bottom and being relegated to the FIH Nations Cup. This demotion is a setback for the team, as the Pro League provides valuable exposure and competition against top-ranked nations. In their recent matches in the FIH Pro League 2024-25, the team faced narrow defeats against Australia and suffered a heavy loss against Belgium.

Harendra Singh has acknowledged the areas that need improvement. He has emphasized the importance of better time and game management, as well as reducing the number of penalty corners conceded. Injuries to key players, particularly in defense, have also contributed to the team's struggles. Addressing these issues will be crucial for the team's resurgence.

Despite the recent setbacks, there are reasons for optimism. The team won the 2024 Asian Champions Trophy, demonstrating their potential. Harendra Singh is focused on developing young players and creating a strong core group for future competitions. He aims to give these players opportunities to compete and gain experience, with a target of playing at least 35 matches before the next World Cup.

Harendra Singh is also keen on evolving the coaching philosophy, with emphasis on adapting to modern hockey strategies while retaining the essence of the traditional "guru-shishya" relationship. This approach aims to blend time-tested values with contemporary methods to optimize player development and team performance.

Looking ahead, Harendra Singh has set clear goals for the team. He aims to qualify for the World Cup and achieve a top-five finish in the Pro League to secure their place. Building a strong foundation for the 2026 World Cup and Asian Games is also a priority. By focusing on these key objectives, Harendra Singh hopes to guide the Indian women's hockey team back to their winning ways and restore their position as a leading force in international hockey.