A natural dazzler!
Sidney Kiran
Sardar Singh has fused Indian ethos and European modernity to emerge a complete package
There will be no scarcity of praises if you question Michael Nobbs about Sardar Singh. Nobbs first saw Sardar some six months ago after his appointment as India’s hockey team coach, and the Australian remarked without hesitation: “He is an exceptional player. He is probably one of the finest players in the world right now. He could easily walk into any team in the world.”
It’s not normal for any player to receive such instant accolades from a new coach, but Sardar is no average player. Extremely hard-working, phenomenally gifted and at times controversial, Sardar is one of a kind who has not just caught Nobbs’ attention but the viewers across the world.
The Haryana midfielder has made it to the International Hockey Federation’s prestigious All Star Team, which was conceptualised in 2006, for the second consecutive year. The squad, decided by public vote between December 12 and 21 and featuring living greats like Jamie Dwyer and Teun de Nooijer, is a wonderful New Year’s gift for Sardar, who runs the extra mile — quite literally — to sharpen and nurture his incredible natural talent.
“I am really thrilled to have been chosen again,” an elated Sardar told Deccan Herald from New Delhi where he is training in the Olympic Qualifiers national camp. “When I was chosen last year, I just could not believe it. To feature in a team that consists of all the best players, and some greats as well, is something incredible.
“It motivates me to do well for the country. Although, we didn’t play many major international events this year as compared to last, I was eager to exploit whatever opportunities I got. Having made the cut again, I just want to improve and encourage the youngsters in the squad. I thank all my coaches, fellow players and especially fans for voting for me.”
The remarkable aspect of Sardar, whose vision and supply can baffle you, is the amount of time the 26-year-old puts in to train. Long after everyone has packed their kits and are cooling their heels after a routine training session, Sardar will still be toiling like a lonely warrior. Following a few laps around the pitch, the Deputy Supertindent Police (DSP) with Haryana police will be perfecting his dribbling, passing and shooting skills before wrapping up with a session in the gym, a regular routine he follows with purpose and intent.
“I am a huge fan of dynamic Pakistan forward Shahbaz Ahmed. I’ve watched a lot of videos of him, and his skills are just fascinating. The ease with which he could bamboozle defenders is a treat to watch. I met him once and I asked him what I need to do to become a great player. He told me hardwork alone is not enough, I need to walk that extra mile to become a great player. That’s basically what I am doing now,” said Sardar.
On the pitch Sardar has a wonderful vision, never lost for ideas. The former Indian skipper hardly lets a ball slip past him, often finding time and space for his movements with ease. Sardar, who had performed defensive duties under former coach Jose Brasa, has imbibed Indian virtues like flair and style, but what makes him a complete package is the European-style control and passing. Now, returned to his favoured central midfielder role, Sardar said his immediate focus is to help the team emerge winners in the Olympic Qualifiers.
“I was part of the disaster four years ago in Chile when we failed to qualify for the Olympics for the first time in our history. It hurt us badly. Having said that, I believe we are on the right track. All of us are motivated in securing the London berth and, hopefully things go well,” he said. While there are a lot of positives about Sardar, he has also courted controversies in the past. He deserted the national camp twice last year before being pulled up by Hockey India for disciplinary issues. “Yes, it was a mistake on my part. Looking back, I feel I should not have done it. I agree, I had differences but it could have been handled in a better way. In a way, I’ve learnt my lessons. “Past is past, and I am looking ahead with great hope. Next month is very crucial, and I hope to play an integral part in our country’s success.”
1 Comment
I have watched Sardar since he played in the 2006 Azlan Shah tournament and he has been our best player by quite a margin. It doesn’t matter where he plays, he always makes a big contribution. If only we had 3-4 more players with some of his skills, fitness, and speed. Problem is that we are producing only one player brilliant player per generation (Mohammed Shahid, Dhanraj Pillay & now Sardar). He deserves to be in the All Stars Team.