Talismanic Sardar calls it a day
Former India captain had played for 12 years, appearing in more than 300 international matches
CHANDIGARH:HOCKEY stalwart Sardar Singh, a veteran of more than 300 international matches, recipient of top sporting honours such as the Arjuna Award and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, and winner of three Asian Games medals — including gold in 2014 — has decided to call it a day.
The experienced campaigner was part of the squad that recently bagged the Asian Games bronze in Jakarta. “I have played almost 12 years for the country and it’s a long time. Now it’s the time for the next generation to take over,” said the 32-year-old Sardar. “I know it is a tough decision, but it is a time which comes in every players’ life… one should take it in his stride. I discussed my plans at length with national coach Harendra Singh and Hockey India and they all are convinced with my decision.” Sardar had made a comeback before the Champions Trophy in Breda (June-july, 2018) after being dropped for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. He had thought of retiring from international hockey after the Jakarta Asian Games.
After making a comeback in the Champions Trophy, where India won silver, Sardar had said, “I want to prove that I am the same Sardar and for that I was eagerly waiting to make a comeback and thankfully I did it. I worked really hard on my fitness for a comeback. But right now I am focusing till the Asian Games and would take a call on my future after the Jakarta Games.” On Wednesday, the DSP in Haryana Police said, “After returning from Asian Games, I made up my mind and conveyed it all those who matter in my life….a player needs a graceful exit after a decade-long career.”
Sardar leaves behind a rich legacy, and though his playing career had quite a few ups and downs, he liked playing on his terms. With the midfielder not getting any younger, Sardar emphasised more on fitness and that was the key to his comeback after being dropped for the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast.
Sardar’s athleticism can be gauged from the fact that he International caps International Goals
Conferred with Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 2017 and Padma Shri in 2015 Landmark moments passed the Yo-yo fitness test before the Jakarta Asian Games with flying colours and was among the fittest in the squad. Not refusing to take his exclusion lying down, Sardar worked on his fitness and came back with a Yo-yo score of 21.4, not only bettering his own record of 21.3 but, in the process, leaving Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli, considered the fittest player, way behind.
“I am fit to play good hockey for at least a couple more years. But there is always a time to plan what next for you. And, I personally feel, this is the best time to start thinking about new ventures,” said Sardar, a DSP in Haryana Police.
“Hockey is an integral part of my life and will always remain an important part. The only thing is that now you will see me in a different role. I will continue representing my department Haryana Police and state in the domestic circuit.”
Starting his hockey journey from Sirsa, Sardar was the linchpin in the squad, something the present coach Harendra realised before the Asian Games. Needing an experienced hand at the back, Sardar was recalled to marshal India’s defence. He did a fine job till the team, favourites to win gold and also earn Tokyo Olympics qualification, stumbled against Malaysia to settle for bronze.
With the Olympics qualification not done yet, it will be difficult for the Indian team to fill the void left by a man who won gold at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games and two silver at the Commonwealth Games (2010 Delhi and 2014 Glasgow).