Born on July 15 1986,Haryana's Sardar Singh was face of the Indian hockey in the 2000s and is a highly decorated sportsperson of cotemporary India. He was awarded Arjuna (2012), Padamshree (2015) and Khel Ratna (2017)  

SARDAR SINGH was part of the Indian men's National hockey teams that took part at the Olympics (2012 & 2016); World Cups (2010, 2014); Asian Games THRICE (2010, 2014, 2018); Commmonwealth Games (2010, 2014); Asia Cup (2013 & 2017); Hockey World League Tier 4 (Finals) (2014, 2015), Hockey World League Tier 3 (Round 3) THRICE (2013, 2015, 2017) & Champions Trophy THRICE (2012, 2014, 2018).

 

The man who has been part of the FIH All-Stars team for two straight years now is the engine that works the current Indian team. The powerfully built all rounder is perhaps the best example of the contemporary Indian side that strives to match the best in the world in every department including fitness.

A Namdhari Sikh from village Sant Nagar in the Sirsa district of Haryana, Sardar, born on July 15 1986, honed his basic skills at the famous Namdhari Academy. Younger brother of former India international Didar Singh, Sardar has over the years played in every position possible on the hockey field barring perhaps as the goalkeeper – he started as a right-in, moved to centre-half, was sent further back as a defender before returning to his favourite spot centre-half, which is his domain in the current set-up. It is a tribute to Sardar’s genius that he has flowered everywhere. In fact, he first made it to the World XI as a full-back in 2010 and did it again in 2011, now as centre-half.

He was first called up for the junior India camp in 2003 but could break into the side only in 2004 for a tour to Australia. The double leg India-Pakistan bilateral series in 2006 was his senior India debut, and a baptism by fire. India lost that series but Sardar was noticed.

A favourite player with every coach he has played under, Sardar’s biggest asset is his versatility, commitment to the game, skills to back that commitment and the fitness to execute those skills. So solid is his game that he was the only player throughout 2008 to figure in all the 26 matches that India played. Under his captaincy, India reached the final of the Azlan Shah Cup after a 12-years gap in 2008.

A fan of Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, Sardar has made it a routine to earn Player of the Tournament awards, earning the honour at the Olympic Qualifiers and the Azlan Shah Cup in 2012.  

He retired from the international hockey after the 2018 Asian Games and is presently working as DSP with Haryana Police.