Rajinder Singh has quickly become one of the most promising names in Indian hockey. His rise has been remarkable, especially considering that he was picked ahead of experienced Olympic bronze medallists Shamsher Singh and Gurjant Singh for the ongoing Asia Cup. This selection is not just a surprise but also a sign of the faith that the team management has placed in his talent.
Rajinder’s ability to grow through every stage of the game is very remarkable. He first proved himself at the domestic level, then in junior camps, and now at the international stage. His consistent performance and determination have made him a vital part of India’s plans. Chief coach Craig Fulton and skipper Harmanpreet Singh have both shown confidence in the 22-year-old, who belongs to Sant Nagar in Haryana’s Sirsa district, the same village as India’s former captain Sardar Singh.
Interestingly, Sardar Singh is not just a senior Rajinder admired but also the person who inspired him to take up hockey seriously. Rajinder grew up playing on the very same pitch at Namdhari Academy in Sirsa where Sardar practiced. His journey took a decisive turn when, during the lockdown, Sardar himself helped him sharpen his skills. Rajinder recalls how he trained with Sardar during those difficult times. “I learned to focus on receiving, beating players with my first touch, and controlling my backhand. But the most important lesson was how to control the ball and switch up the attack at the right moment,” Rajinder says. These lessons, he believes, are crucial for a midfielder.
Rajinder’s dedication began paying off when he got a chance with the junior Indian team. He played a pivotal role in helping India win the 2022 Sultan of Johor Cup and the 2023 Junior Asia Cup. His strong performance continued in the 2023 National Championships, where Haryana finished as runners-up. These consistent displays made his entry into the senior team inevitable.
Since his debut, Rajinder has already played 14 international matches. He has shown qualities that make him more than just a regular player. His strength lies in his ability to control the speed of the ball, dominate the midfield, and break down opposition defenses with his sharp passing. For him, being an attacking midfielder means more than just creating moves. “My role is to use my speed and skills to win balls in the right flank, create chances, and give strikers the opportunity to score. We need to convert field goals and not depend too much on penalty corners,” he explains.
Rajinder also acknowledges the role of seniors in shaping his game. He credits Hardik Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, and former captain Manpreet Singh for guiding him on the field. “Hardik and Manpreet often play alongside me in midfield, so they constantly guide me. Harmanpreet, even while playing in defense, keeps telling me about positioning and movement. Their support has been invaluable,” he says.
His hard work and potential have also been recognized in the Hockey India League. In October 2024, Rajinder made headlines when Hyderabad Toofans signed him for a huge sum of ₹23 lakh after a bidding battle with UP Rudras. His performances in the league were impressive, as he played a crucial role in helping the franchise finish as runners-up.
Rajinder’s story is a perfect example of how determination, guidance, and opportunity can shape a young athlete into a national star. From training on a small pitch in Sirsa to representing India in the Asia Cup, he has shown that success in sports comes from discipline and the ability to learn from seniors. At just 22, Rajinder has already made his mark, and with the support of his coaches and teammates, he is set to become one of the key players in India’s hockey journey.
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