Sardara Singh (born 15 July 1986) sometimes referred as Sardar Singh, is an Indian former professional field hockey player and captain of the Indian national team.[2] He usually plays the center half position.[3] Sardara became the youngest player to captain the Indian team when he led the side at the 2008 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.[4] He was awarded Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award of India, in 2015.[5]
On 13 July 2016, the responsibilities of the captain were handed over from him to P. R. Shreejesh, the goalkeeper of Indian Team.[6] On 12 September 2018, Sardara announced his retirement from international hockey. He played 314 matches during 12 years in his career.[7]
Early life
Sardara was born in Haryana's village Sant Nagar in Sirsa District[8] to Gurnam Singh, a RMP doctor and Jasveer Kaur, a housewife.[9]
In 2010, he was included in the 18-men FIH All-Star team.[13] In the same year, Singh was signed by the Belgian club, KHC Leuven to play in the Belgian Hockey League.[13] In 2011, he was again named on the FIH All-Star team.[14] Following Singh's impressive showing at the 2013 Asia Cup, he was signed by the Dutch club, HC Bloemendaal as a replacement to Teun de Nooijer.[15]
On 13 July 2016, the responsibilities of the captain were handed over from him to P. R. Shreejesh, the goalkeeper of Indian Team. He has captained Indian team for 8 years.
He quit the sport in September 2018.[16] In 2019, he was included in a 13-member Hockey India selection committee.[17]
Hockey India League
Sardar Singh became the highest-paid marquee player at the inaugural Hockey India League auctions as the Delhi franchise bought him for US$78,000 (₹4249,000). The Delhi team was named Delhi Waveriders.[18] He captained his side to finish on second place in its inaugural season and was awarded the 'Player of the Tournament.'[19] He was honoured with Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award.
Indian hockey team captain Saradara Singh at Kalinga stadium celebrating after victory over Netherlands
Punjabi Music Industry
Sardar Singh is making his first Punjabi Music Industry debut by featuring in song ‘Gallan Karraiyan’ by veteran Punjabi singer Hardeep Singh of Shehar Patiale de fame.[20] The song is written by Sukha Wadali and the music is by Jaidev Kumar.
He participated in Four Nations International Tournament at Germany and the team scored Bronze Medal.
He also participated in Four Nations Hockey Tournament at Lahore and the team win Silver Medal.
He participated in Men's Hockey Asia Cup at Chennai 2007 and the team grabbed Gold Medal.
Sardara Singh in Hero Hockey World LeagueHe participated for India in Canada for the 7 game Test Series against the Canadian National Field Hockey Team
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