Indian Hockey has not produced only legends; it has produced wizards, magicians and sorcerers. Hockey sticks of Indian players were broken and checked for magnets, sticks have been secretly replaced, and statues have been erected in their memory. These master controllers of the ball, paused the entire world, while they dribbled, tackled, and scored at lightning speed, while the spectators along with the opponents, watched. From centre forwards to centre halves, from defenders to goalkeepers, each position has produced more than one legend that has made the country proud. Ajit Pal Singh is one, among these famous legendries in Indian football world.

Ajit Pal Singh was an outstanding centre-half of Indian hockey team. Born on April 1, 1947, Ajit Pal Singh made his international debut in 1966 and in the very next year he took part in the Pre-Olympic tournament in London and booked his place in the Indian team for the 1968 Mexico Olympics. Despite Indian finishing third, Ajit Pal made a fine impression with his precise and flawless ball distribution. He captained the Indian team that played the 1976 Olympics in Montreal. Ajit Pal represented India at the 1970 Bangkok Asian Games and captained the team to the 1974 Teheran Asian Games, India emerging second best each time. Ajit`s dexterous display earned him a place in the Asian All-Star team in 1974.

The hallmark of Ajit Pal Singh`s illustrious career was the 1975 World Cup when he led India to their maiden Cup victory with an emphatic win over archrivals Pakistan. The whole country reveled in this magnificent triumph and the victorious team received a rousing welcome.