Sardara Singh, sometimes referred as Sardar Singh, is an Indian field hockey coach and former professional field hockey player. He also served as the captain of the Indian national team. He usually plays the center half position. Sardara became the youngest player to captain the Indian team when he led the side at the 2008 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. He was awarded Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award of India, in 2015. On 13 July 2016, the responsibilities of the captain were handed over from him to P. R. Sreejesh, the goalkeeper of Indian Team. On 12 September 2018, Sardara announced his retirement from international hockey. He played 314 matches during 12 years in his career.

Early life

Sardara was born in Haryana's village Sant Nagar in Sirsa District to Gurnam Singh, a RMP doctor, and Jasveer Kaur, a housewife.

Career

Sardara Singh made his debut for India in the junior team during India's 2003–04 tour of Poland. He made his senior debut against Pakistan in 2006. He also plays for his state of Haryana. He is a Deputy Superintendent Police Officer with the Haryana Police and plays for their team. Singh played for Chandigarh Dynamos in the inaugural season of the Premier Hockey League in 2005. He played for Hyderabad Sultans in the next three seasons till 2008, captaining the side.

His brother Didar Singh, a drag flick specialist also played for the Indian team, Haryana and Chandigarh Dynamos.

In 2010, he was included in the 18-men FIH All-Star team. In the same year, Singh was signed by the Belgian club, KHC Leuven to play in the Belgian Hockey League. In 2011, he was again named on the FIH All-Star team. Following Singh's impressive showing at the 2013 Asia Cup, he was signed by the Dutch club HC Bloemendaal as a replacement to Teun de Nooijer.

On 13 July 2016, the responsibilities of the captain were handed over from him to P. R. Sreejesh, the goalkeeper of Indian team. He has captained Indian team for 8 years.

He quit the sport in September 2018. In 2019, he was included in a 13-member Hockey India selection committee.

Hockey India League

Sardar Singh became the highest-paid marquee player at the inaugural Hockey India League auctions as the Delhi franchise bought him for US$78,000 (₹42,49,000). The Delhi team was named Delhi Waveriders. He captained his side to finish on second place in its inaugural season and was awarded the 'Player of the Tournament.' He was honoured with Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award.
Indian hockey team captain Saradara Singh at Kalinga stadium celebrating after victory over Netherlands

Punjabi Music Industry

Sardar Singh is making his first Punjabi Music Industry debut by featuring in song ‘Gallan Karraiyan’ by veteran Punjabi singer Hardeep Singh of Shehar Patiale de fame. The song is written by Sukha Wadali and the music is by Jaidev Kumar.

Achievements

• Awarded 'Player of Tournament' in the 2012 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, where India won the Bronze.
• He was adjudged the Player of the Tournament in the 2012 Summer Olympics Qualifiers, where India won the Gold.
• He was adjudged the Player of the Tournament in the 2010 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, where India won the Gold.
• He participated in Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament in Malaysia in the year 2006 and the team won Bronze Medal.
• He participated in SAF Games at Colombo in the year 2006 and the team scored 2nd position.
• He participated in 7th Junior Challenge Open Men's at Poland 2006 and scored 2nd position.
• He participated in 2007 Men's Hockey Champions Challenge at Belgium 2007 and got Bronze Medal.
• He participated in Commonwealth Games 2006 at Melbourne.
• He participated in INDO-PAK series 2006.
• He participated in Four Nations International Tournament at Germany and the team scored Bronze Medal.
• He also participated in Four Nations Hockey Tournament at Lahore and the team win Silver Medal.
• He participated in Men's Hockey Asia Cup at Chennai 2007 and the team grabbed Gold Medal.
• Sardara Singh in Hero Hockey World League
  He participated for India in Canada for the 7 game Test Series against the Canadian National Field Hockey Team