After CWG, Rajpal sets academic goal

CHANDIGARH: After donning the role of Indian hockey team captain and making sure his team ended in the top two during Commonwealth Games, Rajpal Singh is going back to the classroom.

Playing for the team has provided him with lots of experience, he says, adding, “It’s now time to become a student and gain theoretical knowledge.” Rajpal has enrolled in the bachelor’s course at Panjab University’s department of physical education.

After honouring the hockey captain on Tuesday, vice-chancellor Prof RC Sobti said, “To encourage sports and motivate sportspersons, the university has specially re-opened enrolment for them in any course till October 31. Cricketer Dinesh Mongia was also admitted in the same course at our university. PU will cooperate fully with sportspersons who represent the nation in any field.”

Rajpal said he had joined the course to understand theory and take advantage of documented techniques. “My coach suggested that I pursue academics as it would help me in the long run. Though I have experience, there is a need to have theoretical knowledge,” said the humble captain of the hockey team.

Talking about the CWG performance, Rajpal said, “Hunger for victory kept us going. This is what inspires all sports people and I, too, have used this drive to move on.”