Rupinder warms the Indian hearts with his hattrick

Young Rupinder Pal Singh seemed to have decided to carve a niche for himself in Ipoh where he made his international debut last year.

His graduation to senior side last year went unnoticed what with him even finding it difficult to get his share of time. Brasa had the luxury of Sardar Singh — who missed out this year due to his commitment to a Belgium league — and well-settled Dhananjay Mahadik at his disposal.
Instant Ipoh

However, Rupinder, who had just joined Chennai based Indian Overseas bank in a comfortable officer grade, was played in four out of six matches, albeit in short spells. It was then felt he is bit of stiff, lacking in flexibility, and such remarks any new comer would elicit.

Despite being in the team, and taken to Europe tour, Rupinder had to miss the both Commonwealth and Asian Games buses, on merit to Sandeep Singh.

A player is one who grabs his opportunity. In sports where timing of what you do count, Rupinder seemed to be on right side of the history.

As both Haryana Hurricanes, Sandeep Singh and Sardar Singh, decided not to strike the ipoh shores, and making a casual way for others, Rupinder and Diwarkar Ram entered the scene. They were drafted into the first major tournament of India this year, the ongoing Azlan Shah Cup. Rupinder has now grabbed the opportunity that has come his way. He has chosen right time to do that.

After a not so great performance yesterday to Korea, the Indian defence was in an awkward position. The Great Britain, today’s rivals, were far more superior in preparation and execution, even their world No. 4 ranking would suggest that.

It was at this juncture, Rupinder came on his own. Like Dhananjay Mahadik did timely against Egypt in the last edition, he scored a heart warming hattrick of goals.

For a new comer, a hattrick against such a awesome team as England, Delhi World Cup semifinalist, the team that is tipped to be in the final of the tournament here, must be a wonderful turnaround to happen.

India did not get many penalty corners yesterday, but had sort of luxury today – four. The lad from Chandigarh Hockey Academy, converts three of them, against such goalie as Fair James (30 year old, 91 caps). A great beginning, indeed.

With Diwakar ram breathing down his neck – he is also an established star in the junior ranks coming back to the scene after Delhi World Cup, hoping to cement his place in the national team – Rupinder has definitely sent a notice to his competitors.

In his debut last year, at Ipoh, he posted a token goal, one against Egypt in the 46th minute. This year, on second match he made his hattrick. Its a baby step or giant leap forward, only time will let us know.

In the customery press conference after the Great Britain match, coach Harendra Singh praised him, but definitely not willing to compare with any other players, definitely not with Sandeep Singh. The coach was correct, as it is too early for Rupinder to think big, blow out of proportion as we Indians normally indulge in, but he has taken a definitive step toward that with today’s fabulous goals.

Brief Profile of Rupinder Singh

Rupinder Pal Singh, the six- plus-footer, is youngest of the family, took up hockey seeing his elder brother playing it. Faridkot, his hometown, is one of the known hockey centers in Punjab. His interest in hockey got a boost when got selected for the Chandigarh Hockey Academy, where he got training for 3, 4 years before joining a college in Chandigarh. He was called for Singapore 4-Nation (Under – 18) Cup camp in 2006 but was not selected. He made it to the team next year for the same tournament. He was also in the Bangalore camp preparing for Chile Olympic Qualifier.

He made it to the Junior India side for the Malaysia 8-Nation Cup, was part of the Argentina test series, before earning senior spurs in the 2010 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. He is a good defender, useful penalty corner negotiator. He has in 2010 joined the Indian Overseas Bank, a top domestic team down south, as an officer.

Tournaments / international matches played by Rupinder Pal Singh

Azlan Shah Cup 2010 (4 matches)
Hamburg Masters 2010 (3 matches)
Belgium Test Series 2010 (1 match)
France Test Series 2010 (2 matches)
Azlan Shah Cup 2011 (2 matches and counting)

Note: Profiles of all Indian players can be accessed in stick2hockey.com home page