A simple Google search for ‘Joginder Singh’ throws up a list of accomplished individuals – a Param Vir Chakra Awardee, an Olympic gold medalist in field hockey, a former national basketball player, and a former domestic cricketer. To find the lesser-known Joginder Singh, a 25-year-old hockey player representing the Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB), you need to be more specific. This young talent is making his mark on the domestic scene, and his journey is a testament to dedication and raw talent.
Joginder is currently leading the goal-scoring chart in the 95th edition of the All India MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup in Chennai. With six goals in five games, he is proving to be a force to be reckoned with. His performance in the semifinals against Hockey Odisha, where he scored a hat-trick in a 4-0 victory, showcased his prowess as a defender. This young player, hailing from Hisar, Haryana, has a unique story that goes beyond his impressive goals.
Joginder’s journey began with the encouragement of his elder brother, Ravinder, himself a former hockey player who had to give up the sport to support his family. Inspired by his brother’s passion, Joginder picked up a hockey stick in the eighth standard and honed his skills at the Jarkhar Hockey Academy in Ludhiana. It was Ravinder who instilled in him the art of drag-flicking, a skill that has become a key weapon in Joginder’s arsenal.
While Joginder has never been selected for a junior or senior national camp, he is hopeful that his consistent performance over the past three to four years will finally earn him a spot. He credits hours of practice and watching clips of former Indian drag-flicking legends like Rupinder Pal Singh, V.R. Raghunath, and Belgium’s Alexander Hendrickx for his exceptional skill. This year, he is particularly inspired by the style of national skipper Harmanpreet Singh, who has impressed at the Olympics and Asian Champions Trophy.
Joginder’s journey has also taken him overseas, where he played for Melbourne Sikhs United in Hockey Victoria’s Men’s Vic League 1 competition. His 20 goals in 19 games, including a top-scorer finish, not only showcased his offensive abilities but also helped him refine his defensive skills under the guidance of Pakistani Olympian Waseem Ahmad. The experience of playing alongside Australian players further broadened his horizons.
Joginder’s potential is undeniable, and his coach, Sunil Kumar Singh, believes he is on the right path. However, he emphasizes that improvement is essential, especially in areas like tackling and penalty corners. With dedication and hard work, Joginder could soon make his mark at the national level, perhaps even appearing in those top Google search results alongside the other notable Joginder Singhs. His journey serves as an inspiration for young athletes, proving that with unwavering commitment and a thirst for excellence, dreams can be achieved.
