Rajinder Singh has quickly become a standout player for the Indian hockey team. His selection over experienced players like Shamsher Singh and Gurjant Singh for the Asia Cup highlights his growing importance.
The team management’s decision is justified. Compared to the legendary India midfielder and captain, Sardar Singh, Rajinder has consistently showcased exceptional skills at domestic levels, national camps, and now in the national team. Selection Committee Head RP Singh, Head Coach Craig Fulton, and Captain Harmanpreet Singh have shown confidence in the 22-year-old, who, like Sardar, hails from the village of Sant Nagar in Haryana’s Sirsa district.
Rajinder’s journey began, inspired by his idol, Sardar, playing at a pitch Sardar established at the Namdhari Academy in Sirsa, which Rajinder joined in 2014.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rajinder had the opportunity to train with Sardar, participating in daily matches against him and learning invaluable skills.
“Sardar paaji focused on important skills like receiving, outplaying players with the first touch, and mastering backhand technique,” Rajinder recalls, emphasizing the importance of ball control and strategic attacking.
Rajinder’s experience helped him break into the Indian junior team, where he played vital roles in winning the 2022 Sultan of Johor Cup and the 2023 Junior Asia Cup. These achievements led to his debut for India in October of the previous year.
Since then, Rajinder has earned 14 international caps, becoming crucial to the team’s dynamic with his adept ball control, offensive pressuring, and remarkable passing skills.
“As an attacking midfielder, my role is to use speed, create circle entries, and set up strikers for goals. I’m focused on optimizing field goals to reduce reliance on penalty corners,” explains Rajinder.
Rajinder credits his rapid development to experienced teammates like Hardik Singh, former captain Manpreet Singh, and particularly Harmanpreet, for their guidance in refining his play.
A major accolade came in October 2024 when Rajinder was acquired for ₹23 lakh by the Hyderabad Toofans in the Hockey India League (HIL). His pivotal performances helped the team reach the finals.
At the Toofans, he learned from greats like 2016 Olympic winner Gonzalo Peillat and FIH Player of the Year nominee Zach Wallace, further enhancing his skills.
During the Pro League, Rajinder impressed with his exceptional vision, anticipation, and strategic flair, transitioning effectively between offense and defense during counterattacks.
“Craig emphasizes defensive strategy. His mantra of ‘defend to win, defend to counter’ motivates me to focus intensively on defensive skills,” Rajinder asserts.
Rajinder, despite his robust physique, is remarkably fast due to his rigorous fitness routine. His dedication to gym and field sessions showcases his commitment, though he keeps his high Yo-Yo test score private with a shy smile.