It wasn’t the easiest of times for India hockey skipper Sardar Singh. Just as the Hockey India League picked up earlier this month, the 29-year-old midfielder was accused of sexual assault by a Britain-based Indian origin woman.
Sardar, who turned out for Jaypee Punjab Warriors after three seasons with the Delhi Waveriders, was getting to know his new team mates and finding a way to gel with coaches Barry Dancer and Jagbir Singh as the news came in.
Those close to him indicate that it was a “tough period” for him and the team, but Sardar kept his focus. He led with confidence, which he backed by solid performance on the field.
On Sunday, Punjab broke their HIL jinx — it was their third consecutive final appearance — thrashing Kalinga Lancers 6-1 in the final. For Sardar, it was his second HIL crown having earlier led Delhi to the title in 2014. In a chat with this newspaper, he admits it did not come easy. Excerpts:
On winning the HIL title: It was of course, very special. We had a lot of Australian and Indian players in the Punjab team and we usually play a similar kind of hockey, so it helped us gel well. When you have world class players like Mark Knowles and coaches like Barry Dancer and Jagbir, there is a lot of positive energy and that carried us through.
Ahead of the final, we had a meeting and discussed the last two finals that the team had lost. The boys were determined to not let it slip away this time.
On off-field distractions and their effect on his focus: Honestly, it was hard but for me, hockey was and will always be my priority. The HIL was an event where the selectors were watching us and this will determine our Olympic chances. A player cannot let go of his focus whatever the circumstances. I had a responsibility towards my team and coaches and I did my best to take care of those.
On the gains from the HIL: At this stage, everyone knows their hockey well but one can learn how the top players prepare for a match, spend time on recovery, target a particular player.
Among the juniors, we saw players like Sumit from Ranchi Rays and Dipsan Tirkey of Kalinga Lancers. They are raw but can be groomed into better players. On the road to Olympics and his role as a skipper: The national team will assemble in Bengaluru on March 6, while those undergoing rehabilitation will reach in advance.
As a team, we will follow the coach’s programme and as a captain, I have earmarked a few areas besides training and matches. Communication will be key. There are occasions when a player might be playing full press while the plan is to go half court. These are things that a captain has to teach and imply and it begins from training sessions itself. Handling pressure, not getting unnecessary cards, team unity, performing to win and not only to compete, fitness, these are the areas that I would like the team to follow.
Moreover, I have always believed in playing with a calm head despite the result. We cannot go over the top with celebrations or lose heart and get demotivated. It is important to maintain balance and not lose sight of the target.
On injuries: One of the biggest worry is midfielder Birendra Lakra (knee injury), who might go to the US for treatment. This is the Olympic year and he is one of the most valuable players in the team. Besides, we are also hoping for a quick recovery to Devindar Walmiki (shoulder).
