Rajpal Singh is an Indian hockey player who is known for playing from the forward (front line) position. He is also a former captain of India national hockey team. His sporting skills were recognized at his first international outing at the 2001 Youth Asia Cup. Known for his fighting qualities on the turf, Singh was also in the news before the home world cup, as he unitedly led his team`s fight for its rights with the hockey administrators. He is the recipient of Arjuna Award.
Early Life and Education of Rajpal Singh
Singh was born on 8th August 1983. He studied in Siwalik Public School and received his graduation degree from Chandigarh`s SGGS Khalsa College.
Career of Rajpal Singh
He started playing early and represented Chandigarh in Junior Nationals. After his stint with Hobart Junior World Cup gold, he joined Indian Oil Corporation. He came into the spotlight in the year 2001 when he played for Youth Asia Cup. It was his first international outing. India won the Cup at Ipoh, Malaysia, where he was declared `Player of the Tournament`.
He debuted as a senior player in 2005 under the patronage of Rajinder Singh Jr. for Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. He succeeded Deepak Thakur at the right wing. Rajpal hasn`t looked back since.
In the year 2007, he played in the German second division for Marienburger SC, Cologne. During this year, Singh was one of many Indians who played in Germany in preparation for the Olympic Games 2008 in China.
By the year 2010, he became captain of national team after replacing Sandeep Singh just before the FIH world cup 2010 in New Delhi but India finished 8th. The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup was remarkable for India as under his captaincy, the Indian team regained their title. The team emerged joint winners along with Korea in a rain-affected final at the 19th edition of Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. Under his captaincy, the hockey team of India also stepped into semi-final of Commonwealth Games, Delhi after defeating Pakistan by 7-4.
Then in 2011 came Asian Men`s Hockey Champions Trophy. He captained the Indian team to the inaugural of Asian Men`s Hockey Champions Trophy. The team won by defeating arch-rivals Pakistan in the final. However, Rajpal was removed from the position of captain on 30th September and was replaced by goalkeeper Bharat Chhetri.
Singh leads hugely popular Chandigarh Dynamos in the PHL and the Delhi Wizards in the WSH 2012.
Personal Life of Rajpal Singh
He is married to the Indian shooter Avneet Sidhu. The couple is blessed with a child.
Achievement of Rajpal Singh
Singh was honoured with the prestigious Arjuna Award for excellence in the field of hockey
