Sardar Singh announces retirement from International hockey
After representing India for 12 years, former hockey skipper Sardar Singh has announced his retirement from International hockey. His decision came on Wednesday after India's disappointing performance at the Asian Games, where they had to settle for a bronze after winning against Pakistan.
As he announced his retirement from international hockey on Wednesday, Sardar mentioned that he has played enough hockey for last 12 years and now the young generation of players should take over the reigns of the game in India.
Sardar cleared that his decision to retire was made after the Asian Games in Indonesia, where the Indian team not only failed to make it to the final but the loss also prevented a direct qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. As Sardar failed to remain in explicit form during the Games, his performance in the prestigious event was questioned.
“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 told PTI.
“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.”
It has been speculated that Sardar decided to declare his retirement as he was forced to do so and he was not included among the 25 strong core group of national campers, whose names were announced by Hockey India yesterday.
Sardar dodged the question of being dropped from the national camp, further informing that he would give an official statement regarding his retirement on Friday in a press conference.
Sardar played his maiden senior event for India in 2006, against Pakistan. He has recorded over 350 International matches and was the national skipper for eight years (2008-2016). He became the youngest captain of the team as he led the Indian side in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in 2008. He also won the Arjuna Award in 2012 and was awarded Padma Shri in 2015. He has also been a part of the Indian squad in two Olympics.
Sardar was not included in the squad, which participated in the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. After that, he worked vigorously in order to get back into the team, which won a silver at the Champions Trophy in Breda, Netherlands.
Sardar has mentioned that he has delivered the news to the head coach Harendra Singh and will continue to play in the domestic hockey tournaments.
“Fitness is not the reason behind my decision. I am fit enough to play hockey for some more years. But there is always a time for everything and I feel it's time for me to move on in life," he said.
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