'Everyone was in negative mindset when I joined': Harendra Singh

Published On : 2024-11-21T22:50:02+0530 [ IST ] | Author : Mayur_Tembhare
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The Indian women's hockey team made a positive start towards their ultimate goal of finishing on the podium at the Los AngelesOlympics in 2028 by winning the 2024 Asian Champions Trophy on Wednesday.

While their performance was impressive it was their mental toughness during the difficult periods that really stood out. It was something that coachHarendra Singh focused on on a priority basis after taking over and it finally bears fruit.

"Everyone was in a negative mindset when I first joined because they hadn't qualified for the Olympics so I held meetings. I tried to connect with each player by speaking with them not only about their life struggles but also about their social and economic background

The coach then addressed their issues and discussed ways to create a high-performance environment. After all he not just wanted the team to go to the Olympics but also win a medal there.

And to make sure the process continues he is looking forward to bringing in an expert to help the players.

We must discuss and address it everyday and sometimes you have to use an outside influence. And that's why we're planning to have a mental coach. The plan is to bring in an expert from next year during or before the FIH Pro League

The players worked with a sports psychologist ahead of the Olympics Qualifiers this year and it certainly will help them as the team will play some major tournaments in 2026.

In this year India will not only be looking to win gold at the Asian Games and directly qualify for the Olympics but the World Cup will also be held where Harendra wants India to make it to the semifinals.

To make sure this happens the coach wants to focus on certain areas.

I want to work mostly on penalty corner conversions and defence and goalkeepers. I also want to make sure the team can increase their scoring by 2-3% after making the circle penetrations. Strength and conditioning is another area we will work on

Besides Harendra who is on his second stint with the women's team wants the players to fully imbibe the concept of playing in different positions.

The players cannot have a mentality that they will play only as attacker or defender or midfielder. Hockey is like basketball where players can play in any position but I have to give the players confidence for that.

The coach also wants to increase the size of the core group to 40 and wants to bring in players who impress during the nationals and at the Junior World Cup next year.

Harendra was more than pleased with his experience of working in the US and believes it has helped him improve as a coach.

Hopefully it will help him lead the team to greatness in the coming days but for now all the focus will be on the Hockey India League which is being held for the very first time for women.

Source : Reporters From Sunrise Chronicles

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