Combining brute strength with artistic brilliance, Rajinder Singh is Indian hockey’s new star on the rise

India’s 2025 Hockey Asia Cup triumph was more than just a long-awaited title. It was the birth of a new star. At the heart of the campaign was 22-year-old Rajinder Singh, the attacking midfielder whose energy and versatility drove coach Craig Fulton’s transitioning side to glory. The victory ended India’s eight-year title drought and secured a place at the 2026 World Cup.

Rajinder had never played a senior international tournament before Rajgir, but he looked anything but a newcomer. Against teams that crowded their defences in the searing heat, his composure on the ball and willingness to graft stood out. He adapted to changing tactics, broke down stubborn low blocks, and emerged as one of the tournament’s revelations.

Coach Fulton was quick to acknowledge his growth.

“He’s a bundle of energy, works really hard and has a good head on his shoulders. He has mingled with the squad well and has matured quite rapidly over time,” Fulton told Sportstar. “We need to cultivate these sorts of players for the future.”

Rajinder himself called the experience steady and educational. “In my opinion, it was a stable tournament for us; there weren’t a lot of ups and downs. It was a good experience for me personally. I learned a lot, and more importantly, we achieved our objective,” he said.

From village roots to national breakthrough

Growing up in the same village as hockey legend Sardar Singh, Rajinder’s path to the sport seemed almost inevitable. His national call-up came during the post-Paris Olympics shake-up, when Fulton sought to improve India’s field-goal conversion and add midfield creativity. The Haryana youngster seized his chance.

“Coach [Fulton] gives me full freedom to express myself on the ball. He backs my natural attacking instinct. However, he has worked on my defensive positioning and awareness. How I can support my teammates when we don’t have the ball. It has added a new dimension to my game and I’m trying to get better every day,” Rajinder explained.

His breakthrough moment had come earlier, at the 2024 Senior Nationals in Chennai, where he led Haryana to silver and was rated among the tournament’s best talents. By the time of the Asia Cup, he was the youngest in the national squad but already displaying tactical versatility — whether orchestrating quick-passing moves against Malaysia or spearheading India’s high press in the final against South Korea.

Scoring his first senior international goal against Kazakhstan was another milestone. “I froze for 5–10 seconds after it [scoring]. I had to go to the dugout and recompose myself. It was like a dream.”

Club platform and international lessons

His domestic reputation also earned him a Rs. 23 lakh contract with the Hyderabad Toofans in the Hockey India League. Under Dutch coach Pasha Gademan, Rajinder thrived, helping the Toofans reach the final and absorbing tactical systems that mirrored India’s.

ALSO READ | Can India qualify for Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026?

“We used a zone-trap defensive strategy for most of the league with Pasha. This system, which we also used for our full press, was very beneficial. The way Toofans play is similar to the Indian team, and I learned a lot about combining a high press with zonal marking,” he recalled.

Sharing space with stars like Zach Wallace, Maico Casella, and Nicholas Woods was invaluable. But his biggest takeaway came from Argentine-turned-German drag-flicker Gonzalo Peillat, one of his idols.

“I’m a huge fan of Peillat, and we have a similar style of drag flicking. We spoke extensively during HIL, and we remain in constant touch. I have learnt a lot from him. He has become like a friend; he congratulated me after our win in Rajgir,” Rajinder said. “I’m working hard on my drag-flick. I’m constantly trying to improve my technique and add variations.”

Building mental strength

International hockey has also tested his mental resilience. India’s difficult European leg of the 2024–25 Pro League underscored the challenges of consistency. Rajinder credits mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton for helping him manage the pressures of the sport.

“Paddy has been a great help to me personally,” he said. “He’s helped me learn from my mistakes, overcome challenging situations, and stay focused. For example, I was distracted after scoring my first goal. I lost my concentration for a moment and had to go to the dugout to regain my focus before getting back in the game. My one-on-one sessions with Paddy have really helped me grow.”

Road ahead

With his muscular frame, sharp runs, and balance of flair and strength, Rajinder embodies a hybrid style. He blends India’s traditional artistry with the direct power of Western hockey. Just a year into his senior career, he has become a key part of Fulton’s rebuilding project.

As India looks ahead to the 2026 World Cup, the Asian Games, and ultimately the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Rajinder is already being spoken of as the next face of Indian hockey.

Published on Sep 15, 2025