Indian Men’s Hockey team Captain Sardar Singh, who is to be conferred with Padma Shri award is concerned about his age, yet he has left no stone unturned to keep himself fit with best of nutrition and food. Singh can be noticed having fruits immediately after playing a match. Be it a practice match or series match, he searches fruits and then begins interacting with people.
Singh is also the Captain of Delhi Waveriders franchise in Hockey India league (HIl). He received the Arjuna award from President Pranab Mukherjee in 2012. In the same year, Delhi Waveriders was the Champion of HIl 2. Singh was then the Captain of the team. Sharing the secret with The Pioneer after the match with Ranchi Rays in the ongoing third HIl at Astro Turf Hockey Stadium on Monday, he said, “I am getting older. As a result, my hunger is increasing. In such circumstances, it is important to focus on health.”
His team reached a draw with Ranchi Rays in the latter’s home ground on Monday. Prior to this match, Delhi Waveriders game with Uttar Pradesh Wizards at lucknow on January 23 was also a draw match. Asked why his team is consistently failing to win, he felt, he and his mates are lacking combination in mid-fielding. “We need to establish our game accuracy. For this, it is necessary for us to go through the video recording of the previous matches in the ongoing third HIl,” pointed out Singh.
The 28-year-old midfielder Sardar has played a pivotal role for India and his skilful game which has even inspired the new generation of hockey players across the world. Sardar made his debut for the senior team against Pakistan in 2006 and since then he has played more than 200 international matches and has successfully contributed towards Indian hockey. Moreover, he is the highest paid player in the HIl.
Singh is a DSP in Haryana. People close to Singh said that receiving the Padma Shri is a great honour for him. Singh has expressed gratitude to Hockey India for giving support which boosted his morale and that shows on the field. Since the Republic Day announcement for the Padma Shri award to Sardar, the Captain’s twitter and facebook pages are filled with congratulation messages of his fan followers.