Rajinder Singh Thanks PM Modi for Praise; Vows to Nurture More Hockey Talent
Dronacharya Award winner Rajinder Singh expresses gratitude to PM Modi for his recognition on Mann Ki Baat and vows to nurture more hockey talent.
Former hockey legend and Dronacharya Award-winning coach Rajinder Singh Sr has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi following a special mention during the Prime Minister's monthly 'Mann Ki Baat' programme.
The recognition from the Prime Minister has provided a significant boost to the veteran coach, who has spent decades shaping the landscape of Indian hockey. Singh noted that the appreciation serves as a massive source of inspiration not just for him personally, but for his entire team and the broader sports community across the country.
A Legacy of Excellence
The Prime Minister highlighted Singh's remarkable journey and his immense contribution to Indian sports. Singh’s career is marked by extraordinary achievements, including:
- Olympic Glory: Being a member of the historic 1980 Olympic gold medal-winning team.
- World Cup Success: Being the top scorer during the 1982 Hockey World Cup with 12 goals.
- Coaching Milestones: Leading India to its first-ever Men’s Junior World Cup title in 2001 and the Senior Asia Cup title in 2003.
- Continental Success: Securing an Asian Games silver medal.
"I am truly indebted to him for his kind words regarding my journey and the achievements of the past 40–45 years," Singh stated, emphasizing the weight of the recognition.
Vision for the Future: Scouting from Villages
Looking ahead, Rajinder Singh remains deeply committed to the mission of his academy, RoundGlass. Under the leadership of Gurpreet Singh Sunny, the academy is focused on a grassroots mission: reaching into the heart of rural India to find the next generation of champions.
The core vision involves:
- Scouting and identifying raw talent directly from villages.
- Providing young athletes with world-class facilities and resources.
- Nurturing players to ensure they are ready to represent the Indian national team.
"I am confident that our academy will continue to grow and produce many more players who will go on to represent India," Singh concluded, reaffirming his dedication to the sport that has defined his life.