Field Vision

In the sacred grasses and the iconic turfs of Indian field hockey, the Sandeep Sangwan stands as a lodestar guiding the aspirations of young hopefuls to the shores of glory. Much like the master craftsmen of yore, he hath plied his art with diligence and devotion and chiseled raw talent into glittering gems that adorn the crown of this noble sport. Since his noble beginnings in 2006 as the head coach of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Sangwan hath verily sown the seeds of excellence and reaped a golden harvest of over hundreds of players who have flourished under his stewardship.

Indeed, his deeds bear testament to the adage that “a good shepherd tends to every lamb.” By the sweat of his brow and the fire of his conviction, he hath procured scholarships for a score and more players, thus, bestowing upon them a chance to turn the wheel of fortune in their favor. It is said that providence helps those who help themselves, but in India’s hockey, it is the tireless efforts of coaches like Sangwan that have become the wind beneath the wings of so many dreams.

As the helmsman of Hockey Haryana, he hath steered his teams with the steady hand of a mariner navigating tempestuous seas and charted a course through Sub-Junior, Junior, and Senior Nationals, Khelo India Games, and other storied tournaments. The victories under his aegis are chapters in a saga of perseverance and triumph written with the ink of his wisdom and the quill of his unwavering faith in the game’s potential to transform lives.

For the year of 2024, the Government of India saw fit to honour Sandeep Sangwan with the esteemed Dronacharya Award for his unparalleled contribution to the art and science of coaching in Sports and Games. This accolade, akin to a crown jewel in the diadem of his illustrious career, doth mark him as the 11th field hockey coach to ascend to this rarefied pantheon of excellence.

The fruits of his labor are not confined to medals and accolades alone, though these are legion; they are etched in the lives he hath touched, the futures he hath secured, and the careers he hath shaped. More than 200 players, their triumphs born of his tutelage, now don the colors of various departments across the land  – a testament to his alchemical ability to turn promise into profession. Most notably, the doors of ONGC, once mere portals of possibility, have been flung wide for 23 players by his own hand—a rare feat, indeed, for one man to wield such influence.

Sandeep Sangwan credits much of his values and work ethic to his upbringing. “The value of any player or coach is shaped by their journey with their family,” he reflects, adding, “and I am no different.”

While his father wasn’t a sportsperson, his unwavering passion for Sandeep to pursue a sporting career laid the foundation for his journey. Interestingly, hockey wasn’t his first sport. “I started with gymnastics and competed at the district level for about two to three years,” he recalls. However, his father believed gymnastics wasn’t the right path for him. “I don’t know why, but he thought it was a ‘wrong game’ and began taking me to hockey practice instead,” he shares.

Sandeep vividly remembers those early days, particularly his first encounter with the game. “We played hockey at CRJ Head School in Sonipat. I was in tears, crying that day, as I didn’t want to switch. I still remember my coach walking me home, handing me a handkerchief to wipe my tears. That moment marked the beginning of my hockey journey.”

Adapting from an individual sport like gymnastics to a team sport like hockey wasn’t easy for the young Sandeep, who was only about seven or eight years old at the time. Yet, hockey quickly captivated him. “As soon as we got free from school, our evening sessions began at 4 PM. But by 2:30 PM, I was already playing hockey against the wall at home—tapping, rolling, and perfecting my skills,” he reminisces. His mother would often scold him for damaging the wall, but his father silently supported his enthusiasm.

The discipline and work ethic he demonstrated as a child were cultivated at home and carried forward into his professional life. “I would be ready two hours early for practice, eager to follow my coach’s instructions. That discipline, punctuality, and dedication were lessons ingrained in me from a young age,” he explains.

Very subtly, Sandeep Sangwan finds it incredibly challenging to name just two all-time greats in Indian hockey. Yet, in a long conversation with Field Vision’s Senior Writer Ravi Teja Mandapaka, he speaks with heartfelt admiration about two individuals who have left an indelible mark on his life: Dhanraj Pillay and Sardar Singh.

“Dhanraj Pillay has always been my idol,” Sangwan says, recalling his formative years in the sport. “When I started playing, he was my senior, and I had the honor of playing alongside him at Mahindra and Mahindra. Dhanraj was not just a player—he was a hero, a leader, and someone with an aura unlike anyone else. He was a dashing presence on the field, and though many people perceived him as arrogant or proud, I can vouch for the opposite. Having known him personally, I saw how humble and supportive he truly is. His talent, combined with his personality, made him an icon not just for me but for countless hockey players across India.”

Sangwan’s second choice is deeply personal, as it involves a player he nurtured from a young age: Sardar Singh. “Sardar is not just a player; he’s my student, someone I had the privilege to coach extensively during his early days with the Haryana team. I’ve never encountered a player with his level of dedication and discipline. I remember how, during training camps, we’d have free time, and Sardar would spend it doing extra workouts at Ramji’s gym. Even after rigorous training sessions, he’d stay back for stretching and additional exercises. That kind of commitment and focus is rare to find.”

For Sandeep Sangwan, these two individuals—Dhanraj Pillay, the inspiring leader, and Sardar Singh, the epitome of hard work and discipline—represent the very best of Indian hockey. While these players hold a special place in his heart, Sangwan’s own journey as a player is equally rich with moments that have shaped his perspective on the game.

One such pivotal moment came in 1995 when Sangwan was part of a historic Junior Nationals campaign with the Delhi team. The tournament culminated in a thrilling final against Haryana—his home state. Reflecting on that match, Sangwan shared the unique psychological challenges he faced, torn between loyalty to his roots and his responsibility to lead Delhi to victory. “At that time, a strong team was being formed in Delhi under the guidance of Rajinder Singh, our senior coach. Although I was in the Air India Academy, not officially part of the Delhi hockey setup, Rajinder Sir personally called me to prepare for the Delhi team,” Sangwan shared.

Interestingly, his journey to Delhi was not a straightforward one. “Growing up, I always dreamed of playing for Haryana. But circumstances led me to represent Delhi. I could have chosen to play for Haryana, but as kids, we didn’t understand much about choices or their consequences. I got selected for Delhi and began playing there.”

The final against Haryana was no ordinary game. For Sangwan, it was as much a battle of the mind as it was a clash on the field. “Playing against my juniors and colleagues from Haryana was incredibly challenging. It wasn’t just another match; it felt like a psychological duel. These were people I knew well—friends who suddenly seemed like rivals. It was difficult for all of us, emotionally.”

He emphasized the emotional and mental toll of facing one’s home state. “The stakes were high, both personally and professionally. There was no room for technical errors, but mental strength was the true differentiator that day. Winning required composure and resilience, given the personal connections and the weight of representing a state I had only recently joined.”

Looking back, Sangwan acknowledged the lasting impact of that victory. “Even today, I remember the psychological edge it demanded. It was a match that taught me more about the mental aspects of the game than any technical drill ever could.”

The mental and emotional resilience Sandeep Sangwan spoke of was forged in some of his most challenging moments as a coach. Sandeep Sangwan recounted the remarkable journey Behind Haryana’s 2011 National Championship Triumph. He elucidated, “My coaching journey truly began with the ONGC team back in 2006. It was here that I gained valuable experience, leading senior players, including Olympians, and clinching numerous tournaments. Despite this, stepping into the role of Haryana’s coach for the Senior National Championship in 2011 was a massive responsibility—one that came early in my career and on an uncharted path.

At that time, Haryana was far from being a hockey powerhouse. The team’s history was riddled with poor performances, often crashing out in the quarter-finals. The turnaround began when Sunil Malik, our state hockey general secretary (and now the Hockey India vice-president), recognized my work with ONGC. His confidence in me was pivotal, and I felt a deep connection with the Haryana team from the very beginning.

We assembled a squad at a camp in Gurgaon, and it was here that two big names, Sardar Singh and Sandeep Singh, joined us. Both players were at a crossroads in their careers, having been recently dropped from the national team amid controversies. While Sardar was playing in England, I insisted that every player, regardless of their stature, attend the camp and train with the team. 

My philosophy was clear: discipline and unity would be the foundation of our success.

Going into the championship in Bhopal, Haryana was overlooked by almost everyone. With the exception of Sardar and Sandeep, who drew attention due to their past achievements, the rest of our squad was written off. But as the tournament progressed, the team’s grit, discipline, and unity began to make a statement.

The turning point was the final against Karnataka, a team stacked with stars like V R Raghunath, S.V. Sunil, Arjun Halappa, and Bharat Chhetri. They were the favorites, no doubt, but our underdog spirit was unshakable. Despite a challenging start, Sandeep Singh scored the equalizer after Karnataka took an early lead. Mandip Antil followed up with the winning goal, sealing a historic 2-1 victory.”

Winning the Senior National Championship with Haryana for the first time stands as a shining example of how preparation and adaptability can translate into success on the field. For Sandeep Sangwan, this milestone wasn’t just about the victory—it embodied the discipline, trust, and resilience he strives to instill in his teams. It also highlighted the importance of embracing a flexible coaching philosophy, one that evolves with the game and its challenges.

A humble ‘Guru’ in Sandeep Sangwan believes that modern hockey demands a flexible and adaptive mindset. Speaking about his coaching philosophy, he emphasizes the importance of tailoring strategies to specific situations rather than adhering to a fixed approach. 

“As a coach, you cannot afford to be rigid. While every coach has a broad vision of how they want their team to play, the real challenge lies in adapting that vision to the ever-changing dynamics of a match. It’s crucial to perform a thorough SWOT analysis—understanding strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats—not just for your team but for your opponents as well. A rigid approach focused solely on your training methods can lead to failure if you overlook the other team’s capabilities,” he explains.

Forsooth, Sangwan highlights the importance of studying opposition strengths, particularly in critical areas such as penalty corners. “For instance, if the opposing team has an exceptional penalty corner unit, your priority should be to minimize their chances of earning one. That’s the level of attention to detail required.” 

The veteran coach also shares his belief in keeping opponents on their toes through surprise tactics. “Sometimes, starting with aggressive attacks, like a rock breaking through, can catch the opposition off guard. However, if this strategy backfires and leaves you vulnerable to counterattacks, you must be ready to shift gears immediately. Adaptability is key.”

Having experienced the highs and lows of international hockey, Sangwan reflects on his journey with humility and wisdom. “I’ve won many memorable matches, lost a few close ones, and even turned defeats into victories. These experiences have taught me that being flexible and responsive to the game’s demands is the hallmark of a successful coach.”

Building on this approach, Sangwan reflects on how the game itself has evolved over the years, pushing coaches to continuously adapt and innovate. “The game has evolved so much, and there’s no turning back,” he explains. “When I started, we played on grass, but now everything has shifted. The game has changed, and the strategies we employ must adapt accordingly.”

Sangwan emphasizes the importance of being flexible in coaching, especially when it comes to devising strategies for specific teams and matches. “There is always a mindset that we will play in a certain way,” he explains, “but it varies from match to match and team to team. Every team has its strengths and weaknesses, and it’s crucial to analyze the opponent thoroughly. We often talk about strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats – and these factors must be taken into account in every coaching decision.”

While Sangwan firmly believes in maintaining his own philosophy, he stresses the importance of adaptability. “If you keep focusing only on your own tactics, you’re missing a critical piece. You must assess the other team’s strengths, such as their penalty corner skills, and be ready to adjust your strategy accordingly. Being rigid in your approach can hinder progress – flexibility is key.”

Reflecting on his own experience, Sangwan adds, “I’ve had the privilege of winning and losing matches at the highest level. I’ve won last-minute games and learned invaluable lessons from every result. Throughout my career, I’ve learned from every coach I’ve worked with. They’ve all contributed to shaping my coaching philosophy.”

When asked about his favorite Indian hockey coach, Sangwan doesn’t hesitate. “Mr. P.A. Rafael, the former coach of the national team, was incredibly intelligent and energetic,” he says, recalling the impact Rafael had on him. “I was deeply impressed by his style and his approach to training. His passion was unmatched. Similarly, I learned a great deal from Harendra Singh when I started my career. Harendra was at the next level – a true genius and a passionate man who influenced my coaching approach profoundly. I’ve never come across a coach quite like him.”

Sandeep Sangwan’s admiration for legendary Indian Hockey coaches like P.A. Raphel and Harendra Singh is a testament to the pivotal role great mentors play in shaping not just individual players but the broader framework of Indian hockey. Drawing inspiration from these coaching stalwarts, Sangwan has developed a vision of his own—one that focuses on long-term planning and grassroots development to reclaim India’s dominance on the global stage. Reflecting on his extensive experience, he outlines the critical areas that demand urgent attention to build a system capable of producing world-class players and ending a 51-year World Cup medal drought.

Grassroots Infrastructure and Training Uniformity Are Crucial

“One of the most pressing issues is the lack of uniform infrastructure across India,” Sangwan explains. “Sub-junior players often do not receive the facilities they deserve. Many are housed in basic accommodations, and their training environments are subpar. We need uniformity in training and better grassroots facilities to address these challenges.”

He also highlights the importance of consistent terminology and advanced training methods. “When I train players, whether they’re from Haryana, Punjab, or elsewhere, I ensure they understand hockey terminology like outlet passes, tracking, diving, deflection, and counter-control. This is critical so that when these players advance to the senior level, they aren’t left grappling with the basics. Grassroots players need to be exposed to these concepts early.”

Skills Beyond the Basics

The Sub-Junior level is the most critical phase of an athlete and it dictates a long productive career ahead. Sangwan points out that grassroots training should go beyond mere counter-attacks. “We need to teach players how to channel opponents, block host channels, and transfer effectively. Mastering these skills early ensures they transition seamlessly into high-level hockey. For this to happen, Hockey India must invest more resources in grassroots development.”

The Future Looks Promising

When asked about India’s chances at the 2026 World Cup, Sangwan is optimistic. “Since Hockey India initiated its camps in 2011, there has been a significant transformation. The facilities, coaching standards, and player mindset have all improved drastically. Today, we are not just participants on the world stage; we are contenders. The inclusion of talented young players, even as young as 17 or 18, in the senior team is a testament to this progress.”

Sangwan firmly believes that consistency will be key. “India’s players, especially the women, have shown incredible growth and potential. But to compete at the highest level, we need to instill a sense of belief and maintain consistency. This will be the game-changer.”

A Call for Holistic Development

In his closing remarks, Sangwan stresses the need for regular and well-structured junior and senior camps. “If we start exposing players to high-quality coaching and competitions from a young age, the results will show in four to five years. Sub-Juniors and Juniors transitioning to the senior level will carry valuable experience and confidence. Both men’s and women’s teams need equal focus at the grassroots level.”

Long story very subtly put, to meet Guru Sandeep Sangwan is to encounter a spirit undimmed by the passage of years, his dedication as steadfast as the North Star. His life is a paean to the principle that greatness doth not consist in being great, but in the ability to bring greatness to others. If the measure of a man lies in the lives he elevates, then Sandeep Sangwan stands taller than most, a veritable celebration in the annals of coaching, his legacy woven into the very fabric of Indian hockey.

Note: All the pictures used in the article have been shared by Sandeep Sangwan.

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