Sardar Singh Retires: Here’s a Look at Some Stats From Former Hockey Indian Captain's Career
As the former Indian captain announced his retirement from international hockey, here’s a look at some stats from his career.
Star Indian hockey player Sardar Singh has announced his retirement. The former hockey captain said he retired to make way for youngsters. Sardar ends his illustrious career of 12 years and his decision comes after India failed to defend their title at the Asian Games 2018 and had to settle for bronze. "Yes, I have decided to retire from international hockey. I have played enough hockey in my career. Twelve years is a long time. Now it's time for the future generation to take over," Sardar was quoted as saying by PTI.
During the Asian Games in Jakarta, Sardar had said he hoped to play till the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. He, however, reconsidered the decision after consulting his family. "I took the decision after consultation with my family in Chandigarh, Hockey India, and my friends. I think it's the right time to think about life beyond hockey,” he added.
Meanwhile, it is reported that Sardar was forced to retire after his name was dropped from the 25-strong core group of national campers announced by Hockey India on Wednesday. Asked about the dropping from the camp, Sardar evaded the question and said he would formally announce his retirement during a press conference. Talismanic Sardar Singh Retires from International Hockey, Says Time for Youngsters to Take over
As the former Indian captain announced his retirement from international hockey, here’s a look at some stats from his career:
# In February, Sardar made his debut for India against Pakistan in 2006. Since then he appeared for India in 314 matches and netted 17 goals. He was named the captain of the national team in 2008 and led team till 2016.
# Sardar throughout his career won seven gold medals. Here’s the breakdown of his gold medal: Asian Games 2014, Asian Champions Trophy 2016, Asia Cup 2017, Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2009 and 2010, Olympic Qualifier 2012 and Hockey World League Round 2 in 2013.
# Sardar captained India in 17 tournaments, which include World Cup, Champions Trophy, Hockey World League, Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, Asia Cup, Asian Games, Asian Champions Trophy and Commonwealth Games.
# As a captain, Sardar helped India win three gold medals- Asian Games 2014, Olympic Qualifier 2012 and Hockey World League Round 2 in 2013. He helped India win silver medals in Asia Cup 2013, Commonwealth Games 2014, Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2008 and 2016 and Asian Champions Trophy 2012. And won two bronze medals as a captain in Hockey World League 2015 and Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2015.
# In 2008, Sardar became the youngest ever Indian captain. He was 21 years and 10 months old when he captained the Indian side during the 2008 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
Sardar is also the recipient of the Arjuna award in 2012 and Padma Shri in 2015. The former Indian captain had his share of controversies as well. He was accused of rape by an Indian-origin British woman, a charge which he vehemently denied and was also given a clean chit by the special investigation team of Ludhiana Police. (Inputs PTI).
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 13, 2018 09:59 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).