Ananya Lohia , New Delhi - Hockey India is set for a key reshuffle in its coaching structure, with White likely to take over as the head coach of the junior women’s hockey team. White, who was also the head coach of the Tamil Nadu Dragons in the recently concluded Hockey India League. However, the federation is yet to arrive at a decision regarding the renewal of former India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh’s contract, leaving his future uncertain for now.

According to sources within Hockey India, White has emerged as the leading candidate for the junior women’s coaching role after internal discussions and evaluations. White, who was also the head coach of the Tamil Nadu Dragons in the recently concluded Hockey India League, will replace Tushar Khandker.  The move is part of the federation’s broader strategy to strengthen the junior setup and ensure a steady pipeline of talent for the senior national team. With several international tournaments lined up in the coming months, including age-group competitions, the appointment is being viewed as a crucial step towards long-term team development. Officials believe that bringing in a fresh coaching approach at the junior level could help improve performance standards and provide better exposure to young players. The focus remains on grooming future stars who can transition smoothly into the senior squad and maintain India’s competitiveness on the global stage.

Meanwhile, uncertainty continues over PR Sreejesh’s role within the national setup. However, there is no official word yet on the junior men’s coach with Hockey India yet to decide on whether to renew P.R. Sreejesh’s contract. Sreejesh, who coached the Indian juniors to a World Cup bronze in December last year – India’s first in the competition since its 2016 triumph – is yet to be confirmed, with sources indicating that the federation was instead considering bringing in a foreign name for the role, “We believe Sreejesh has potential but needs more experience, not just in terms of coaching but also in man-management.  The experienced goalkeeper, who has been a key figure in Indian hockey for over a decade, is currently awaiting clarity on the renewal of his contract. While his contribution to the sport has been widely acknowledged, Hockey India is yet to confirm whether he will continue in his existing capacity or be assigned a different role going forward.

While White’s appointment as junior women’s coach appears imminent, Hockey India is expected to take a final call on PR Sreejesh’s contract in the coming days. An official announcement on both developments is awaited, which will provide clarity on the federation’s roadmap for the future.