Rupinder played a pivotal role in India's recent bronze medal-winning feat at the Tokyo Olympics, finishing as the second highest goal-scorer in the team.
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India’s hockey star Rupinder Pal Singh has announced his decision to retire from the sport on social media. Rupinder was a part of the national hockey team that won a bronze medal in the recently concluded Tokyo Olympics. The drag-flicker was hailed by one and all for his ability to change the game single-handily with his power and prowess. Rupinder played 223 matches during his 13-year-long career for the Indian team, emerging as a star performer.
“I would like to inform you about my decision to retire from the Indian hockey team. The past couple of months have undoubtedly been the best days of my life. Standing on the podium in Tokyo along with my teammates with whom I have shared some of the most incredible experiences of my life was a feeling I will cherish forever. I believe it is time for me to make way for young and talented players to experience every great joy I have felt in these last 13 years of representing India. Have had the honour of wearing the India jersey in 223 matches and each of these matches are special for I had the privilege of playing for this great sport-loving nation,” said the hockey star.
“I am leaving the team feeling happy and content as we have conquered the greatest dream which was to win an Olympic medal for India. Will carry with me nothing but great memories of playing with some of the most talented players in world hockey and I have immense respect for each one of them. My teammates have been a great pillar of support all these years and I wish them the best as they surge ahead in taking India to newer heights in hockey. None of this success I enjoy today would have been possible without the support and encouragement from my friends and family, particularly my mother and father. I walked into every match thinking of them,” added Rupinder.
“I thank Hockey India for having their faith in me all these years. I also thank Baba Shershah Wali Academy and coaches, Firozpur where my journey in hockey began. Thank my friends & coaches from Faridkot from where I have some very fond memories as a young player. I also thank coaches late Shri Jasbir Singh Bajwa, Shri OP Ahlawat and my friends from Chandigarh Hockey Academy who played a big role in my formative years as a player,” stated the hockey star.
“Grateful to all the Coaches who trained me to become a better player and I thank all the support staff – the scientific advisors, the physios, the masseurs, video analysts who have all been a big part of this success story. Fans are truly the ones who make the sport more enjoyable and I was very fortunate all these years to enjoy the support of some very passionate fans of hockey. I wish that you will continue to support me the same way you always have as I move on from the Indian Team and begin a new chapter both on the personal and professional front. Thank you! With Love! Rupinder,” he concluded.
