NEW DELHI: Like at all times, he tilted his head a bit, put his arm round and stated, " Hor Paaji theek ho (how are you)?". Those have been Sardar Singh's signature words accompanying a handshake over the last 12 years. On Saturday night in Delhi, as Sardar ended his post-retirement press conference, off-the-mic conversations became nostalgic. And Sardar, as at all times, used to be all smiles and courtesy. Relaxed, having time on hand, he used to be extra to be had to recall an anecdote, with in-between pauses to honour requests for selfies.
READ ALSO: After finishing hockey career, Sardar Singh eyes skilled golfing
One of the greatest avid gamers of recent hockey put down his world stick at a time many idea his ultimate bow can be at the coming World Cup. But the teach of idea in Sardar's thoughts used to be taking a distinct turn.
It generally is a mere accident that the scoop broke quickly after the hockey world saw his name lacking within the listing of 25 probables for the Asian Champions Trophy. But many also consider the announcement played a big position in his decision to surrender, whilst some suppose the writing used to be at the wall once India failed to defend their Asian Games gold.
At the tip of it, the sport is going to leave out its 360-degree man, whose peripheral vision whilst marshalling the central midfield used to be matched through very few all over his time at the world pitch.
But Sardar's assured body language prompt he has come to phrases with a difficult decision, even if section ruled through the turn of occasions last week.
READ ALSO: Sachin Tendulkar used to be very supportive: Sardar Singh
"Can I have a fresh lime soda?" he requested the attendant within the restaurant and sat down, taking the first sip of his drink, for this interview with TimesofIndia.com. "Hanji paaji, shuru karo (let's start)."
The announcement of your retirement came as a surprise to many. How did that idea turn out to be a decision?
Before going to the Asian Games, I wanted to play until 2020, because I'm still are compatible. It's now not that most effective losing to Malaysia within the (Asiad) semis is the explanation in the back of my decision. I had faced unhappiness at the field ahead of, besides many memorable moments. But the Asian Games had a lot more using on it, protecting the gold we received in 2014, qualifying for the Olympics. After losing that match, I thought a bit extra because now if I take extra psychological tension, it's going to affect my body. There is much less pressure on kids as compared to experienced avid gamers, because your game is already recognized and closely watched, so it's a must to find new tactics to organize, teach and carry out. I had handled that properly until now; but after losing this match, I met my circle of relatives and close pals upon returning (from the Asian Games) and expressed my desire to surrender. I also mentioned it with (PR) Sreejesh, our trainer (Harendra Singh) and the federation (Hockey India). In the tip, it used to be my decision and I think it's the proper time.
Over the last 12 months, your house within the facet used to be ceaselessly questioned. Did that also influence your decision?
It is dependent upon how a player thinks. I'm beautiful robust mentally that manner. Above that, the trainer we now have now, Harendra Singh, is among the perfect. I started my career with him in 2002 and ended it with him. So that manner I was now not beneath any pressure. It's most effective herbal when you face teething issues of a new set-up, coordination whilst taking part in with identical set of avid gamers over a time is obviously different. They would await my strikes with the ball or off the ball. It's now not the similar whilst you play with new avid gamers, but each and every sport wishes contemporary blood and ability. So I thought on those lines too, to pave manner for the kids.
You have received admiration via your game all alongside. Are you leaving in the back of some disillusioned lovers so just about the World Cup?
Yes, the World Cup is across the corner and it used to be a difficult decision bearing in mind that. But I gave it a lot of idea. I did read the messages a few of my pals and well-wishers have posted once I announced my retirement, regardless that I am not so much into social media. Some stated that I may have played a bit longer. I want to thank everyone who played a task in my career and impressed me to try this. Out of 100, now not all will favour you. There will at all times be some who oppose (criticise). I thank them as properly, because if they do not have idea the way they did, I do not have pushed myself to beef up. Some of the messages from lovers have moved me as those were very emotional. It used to be the most productive time of my life, which would possibly not come back.
Tell us something about your dialog with Sachin Tendulkar...
First of all, I wish to thank him. He is such a large player and a cricketer in India knows perfect about the expectancies of the nation and how one can care for those. Sachin paaji has controlled it all over his entire career. Whenever I contact him, he replies via textual content message or name. Before leaving for the Champions Trophy (in Breda this July), we talked for approximately 15-20 minutes. I was coming round again after being omitted for the Commonwealth Games. I requested him, "Paaji I am making a comeback and going for a big tournament. Please guide me how you used to manage pressure and stress - like after getting out on a zero or 99." He stated it is only herbal for expectancies to upward thrust when you carry out properly. If you might have handled that, then obviously you'll be able to do extra. You have set top standards for your self. He also stated that in case you have been preferred to your excellent performances, then it is only honest to accept complaint when you do not do properly. So Sachin paaji and Dhanraj (Pillay) paaji, who is among the perfect avid gamers we now have produced and played hockey for such a very long time, are the two I at all times remained in touch with. I'm lucky that I may just get advice from such large avid gamers.
Will you proceed taking part in home or club hockey?
I will play for the Haryana Police team. As far as plans are considered, I wish to proceed taking part in club hockey in India and in another country and teach young children.
Any plans to contribute at the grassroot degree?
I will request the Haryana government to allot me an academy for future, like they've allocated land to some avid gamers ahead of. In quick, I wish to proceed sharing my enjoy and whatever I have discovered over time. The aim is to do something for hockey. I have many pals who wish to help. In India, usually those from the decrease or heart magnificence play hockey. For them, managing apparatus at times can be tough. So I wish to do something at maybe an NGO degree at some stage.
Is it going to be simply serving hockey off the sphere or you might have plans to pursue something else too?
I will proceed taking part in club hockey and also learn golfing alongside the way. It's true that I will attempt to pursue it as a career. Let's see.
READ ALSO: After finishing hockey career, Sardar Singh eyes skilled golfing
One of the greatest avid gamers of recent hockey put down his world stick at a time many idea his ultimate bow can be at the coming World Cup. But the teach of idea in Sardar's thoughts used to be taking a distinct turn.
It generally is a mere accident that the scoop broke quickly after the hockey world saw his name lacking within the listing of 25 probables for the Asian Champions Trophy. But many also consider the announcement played a big position in his decision to surrender, whilst some suppose the writing used to be at the wall once India failed to defend their Asian Games gold.
At the tip of it, the sport is going to leave out its 360-degree man, whose peripheral vision whilst marshalling the central midfield used to be matched through very few all over his time at the world pitch.
But Sardar's assured body language prompt he has come to phrases with a difficult decision, even if section ruled through the turn of occasions last week.
READ ALSO: Sachin Tendulkar used to be very supportive: Sardar Singh
"Can I have a fresh lime soda?" he requested the attendant within the restaurant and sat down, taking the first sip of his drink, for this interview with TimesofIndia.com. "Hanji paaji, shuru karo (let's start)."
The announcement of your retirement came as a surprise to many. How did that idea turn out to be a decision?
Before going to the Asian Games, I wanted to play until 2020, because I'm still are compatible. It's now not that most effective losing to Malaysia within the (Asiad) semis is the explanation in the back of my decision. I had faced unhappiness at the field ahead of, besides many memorable moments. But the Asian Games had a lot more using on it, protecting the gold we received in 2014, qualifying for the Olympics. After losing that match, I thought a bit extra because now if I take extra psychological tension, it's going to affect my body. There is much less pressure on kids as compared to experienced avid gamers, because your game is already recognized and closely watched, so it's a must to find new tactics to organize, teach and carry out. I had handled that properly until now; but after losing this match, I met my circle of relatives and close pals upon returning (from the Asian Games) and expressed my desire to surrender. I also mentioned it with (PR) Sreejesh, our trainer (Harendra Singh) and the federation (Hockey India). In the tip, it used to be my decision and I think it's the proper time.
Over the last 12 months, your house within the facet used to be ceaselessly questioned. Did that also influence your decision?
It is dependent upon how a player thinks. I'm beautiful robust mentally that manner. Above that, the trainer we now have now, Harendra Singh, is among the perfect. I started my career with him in 2002 and ended it with him. So that manner I was now not beneath any pressure. It's most effective herbal when you face teething issues of a new set-up, coordination whilst taking part in with identical set of avid gamers over a time is obviously different. They would await my strikes with the ball or off the ball. It's now not the similar whilst you play with new avid gamers, but each and every sport wishes contemporary blood and ability. So I thought on those lines too, to pave manner for the kids.
You have received admiration via your game all alongside. Are you leaving in the back of some disillusioned lovers so just about the World Cup?
Yes, the World Cup is across the corner and it used to be a difficult decision bearing in mind that. But I gave it a lot of idea. I did read the messages a few of my pals and well-wishers have posted once I announced my retirement, regardless that I am not so much into social media. Some stated that I may have played a bit longer. I want to thank everyone who played a task in my career and impressed me to try this. Out of 100, now not all will favour you. There will at all times be some who oppose (criticise). I thank them as properly, because if they do not have idea the way they did, I do not have pushed myself to beef up. Some of the messages from lovers have moved me as those were very emotional. It used to be the most productive time of my life, which would possibly not come back.
Tell us something about your dialog with Sachin Tendulkar...
First of all, I wish to thank him. He is such a large player and a cricketer in India knows perfect about the expectancies of the nation and how one can care for those. Sachin paaji has controlled it all over his entire career. Whenever I contact him, he replies via textual content message or name. Before leaving for the Champions Trophy (in Breda this July), we talked for approximately 15-20 minutes. I was coming round again after being omitted for the Commonwealth Games. I requested him, "Paaji I am making a comeback and going for a big tournament. Please guide me how you used to manage pressure and stress - like after getting out on a zero or 99." He stated it is only herbal for expectancies to upward thrust when you carry out properly. If you might have handled that, then obviously you'll be able to do extra. You have set top standards for your self. He also stated that in case you have been preferred to your excellent performances, then it is only honest to accept complaint when you do not do properly. So Sachin paaji and Dhanraj (Pillay) paaji, who is among the perfect avid gamers we now have produced and played hockey for such a very long time, are the two I at all times remained in touch with. I'm lucky that I may just get advice from such large avid gamers.
Will you proceed taking part in home or club hockey?
I will play for the Haryana Police team. As far as plans are considered, I wish to proceed taking part in club hockey in India and in another country and teach young children.
Any plans to contribute at the grassroot degree?
I will request the Haryana government to allot me an academy for future, like they've allocated land to some avid gamers ahead of. In quick, I wish to proceed sharing my enjoy and whatever I have discovered over time. The aim is to do something for hockey. I have many pals who wish to help. In India, usually those from the decrease or heart magnificence play hockey. For them, managing apparatus at times can be tough. So I wish to do something at maybe an NGO degree at some stage.
Is it going to be simply serving hockey off the sphere or you might have plans to pursue something else too?
I will proceed taking part in club hockey and also learn golfing alongside the way. It's true that I will attempt to pursue it as a career. Let's see.
Sardar on Tendulkar's guidance, critics and his future plans
![Sardar on Tendulkar's guidance, critics and his future plans]()
Reviewed by Kailash
on
September 17, 2018
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