Rupinder Pal Singh is a vital cog in the Indian hockey. In a freewheeling conversation with TMM, the 27-year-old Faridkot lad talks about his methodology, the changing face of hockey, and the unconditional support of his family.
Your social media account says, ‘Representing the nation has been the best thing to have happened to me!’ What hockey and the nation mean to you?
This is what I love the most about social media. Your thoughts can reach to the masses at a single click. Well, coming back to what hockey and nation mean to me is- life. I cannot imagine my life without this nation and my passion for hockey. When I travel abroad for matches, my unseen connection with the country forces me to give my best and bring glory to it. As an individual, my nation is above everything and I think everyone will agree with this truth.
Asian Games is over and according to statistics India has performed its best to date. Your take on it.
If I talk especially about hockey, we performed way better in 2014 and won gold after 16 years of struggle. So, if I compare it with the present, we as a team felt bad. Having said that, the growth of hockey as a sport had been satisfying and I could see many youngsters showing interest in the national game of nation, it is inspiring.
Every drag-flicker has his own style. What’s your methodology of playing the sport?
(Smiles) I will say it’s the power of the sport that drives me to perform on the ground. As a player, my only strategy is to give the best so that the nation wins with every goal and defend I perform.
The concept like Hockey India league has helped in spreading the words about the sport. Is there any other way to promote the sport?
When Hockey India League was introduced in 2013, everyone in the industry was optimistic about the concept and it actually helped all of us to grow as professional. I agree that things have changed, but we are still lacking. I think schools and sports academy need to play an active role in promoting the sport. This will not only create enthusiasm among the young players but will also give a scope to the veterans to share the knowledge with the young minds. Creating a right buzz with substantial resources can help spread the sport across the country.
What’s the role of your family in shaping your career?
It is because of my family that the world knows me as a player. And I feel fortunate enough to be born in a middle-class family that taught me the values of life, sacrifices, and emotions. My mom is my biggest strength and she is my guiding force in life. My brother sacrificed his dream of becoming a player to help and guide me through the hardships of the sport. I owe this recognition to my family, who stood by me and provided me with everything that I needed to represent India.
What is your crisis management strategy on the ground and off ground?
On the ground, I try to simplify the problem and simultaneously build my confidence. Once I create a balance between the two, it becomes easy to deal with the situation. In my personal space, the best way to deal with a crisis is to ‘avoid it’. The moment I start avoiding it, I get the solution and it becomes easy for me.
How do you balance between stardom and your performance?
I think stardom works as a motivation and pushes you to perform better than before. Personally, when I see the amount of love and faith people have in me, it energizes me in a positive way and I try to channelize it rightly.
Bollywood is quite active on biopic (especially sportsmen). How do you see this change of inspiring people?
Cinema is the easiest medium to persuade people and I feel a biopic on sportsmen is a smart way of attracting youths. The blend of facts, real journey and emotions work together in convincing people. I personally loved Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and it evoked that spirit of sportsman in me. I hope, Bollywood will keep making such inspiring movies on the life of people who are exceptionally amazing.
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
It’s too early to predict anything, but yes I always dream to work for the first 6 months of the year and be on a vacation for next 6 months.
Rapid Fire:
Your life icon: My mom
Your favorite color: Blue
One advice for aspiring players: Don’t give up
Favorite items in your wardrobe: Perfumes
Favorite holiday destination: Greece
Best compliment received to date: Hot
Most memorable career moment: 2014 Asian Games
One thing you still have from your childhood: Excitement of playing hockey with my brother
Favorite bollywood actress: Priyanka Chopra
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