Harendra Singh named head coach of U.S. men’s national hockey team
Though the United States men's team are ranked No 24, Harendra Singh believes he can help them challenge some of the top teams
Harendra Singh was named the head coach of the United States men's national hockey team on Thursday.
The former India coach, excited at being given the opportunity, is keen to help the USA - ranked No 24 in the world - develop into a strong field hockey side.
“Thank you for this exciting opportunity to coach the U.S. men's national team,” Harendra said in a statement issued by Team USA.
“My enthusiasm knows no bounds as I am excited to begin this journey with my experience in providing tools to players to find their strengths and weaknesses. Developing personalised training programs will surely help the team who have the power to change the tables in world hockey with their sheer grit determination and hard work.”
Though the United States men's team are not very highly ranked currently, Harendra believes he can help them challenge some of the top teams in near future.
“I am truly looking forward to being a part of a professional setup. I am excited to become a contributor to the growth of the USMNT by providing ‘Best of Breed’ to our players,” Harendra said.
“I’m looking forward to a dynamic relationship as we get ready to challenge the best of the best teams in the years to come.”
The experienced Indian began his coaching career with French club HC Lyon's junior team in 1995. It was there that he realised he had the aptitude for coaching. He then guided the Indian eves to a gold medal win at 2017 Asia Cup, besides helping the men's team finish at the fifth spot in the 2018 men’s World Cup in Bhubaneswar.
The tactician also helped the Indian men's team bag a silver in the 2018 Champions Trophy and a bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Games.
Simon Hoskins, USA Field Hockey's Executive Director, believes Harendra's experience will help the sport grow in the country.
“We are thrilled to have Harry join USA field hockey and lead our men's program,” Simon Hoskins, USA Field Hockey's Executive Director, said. “The US men's national team showed great progress prior to the COVID-19 shutdown and now with a coach of the calibre and experience of Harry at the helm we are excited for the future of the USMNT.”