Rajinder Singh’s moment to shine came during the Hockey India League (HIL) auction, where Hyderabad Toofans secured him for an impressive Rs 23 lakhs. The excitement was palpable as Rajinder watched two teams battle for his spot, making his dream come true. This deal is a major step forward in his career, marking the start of a new chapter.
Hyderabad Toofans Secure Rajinder Singh with a Big Bid
Rajinder’s excitement reached new heights when Hyderabad Toofans won the bid. His friends cheered, and his relief was evident. “Every time the bid went up, Vishnu and Rawat shouted, ‘Party!'” he recalled. The 21-year-old was thrilled with the outcome. Hyderabad Toofans have a solid squad, and Rajinder was pleased to join the team alongside seasoned players like Sumit and Nilakanta.
Rajinder’s parents were equally excited. They had eagerly awaited this moment, and when two teams showed interest in him, they felt proud. “A lot of my friends and old coaches called. It was a memorable moment,” he shared. With the auction money, Rajinder Singh has plans to buy his father a customized car, a “wheelie” that his dad has always wanted.
From Humble Beginnings to a Bright Future
Growing up in Sant Nagar, Haryana, Rajinder’s love for hockey started with the guidance of Sardar Singh, the former Indian team captain. Rajinder trained under Sardar at Namdhari Academy, a pitch created by the legend himself. When the pandemic hit, Rajinder returned home and continued his training with Sardar. This was when he truly connected with his idol. “I learned so much from Sardar Singh, especially how to control the ball and switch up attacks,” he said. Rajinder learned how Sardar would dictate the pace of the game, making it tough for their team to keep up.
This training helped Rajinder Singh break into the Indian junior men’s hockey team. He played an important role in winning the 2022 Sultan of Johor Cup, securing a gold medal. Rajinder also helped his team win the Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2023. Just recently, Rajinder made his debut for the Indian men’s hockey team during the PFC India vs Germany Bilateral Hockey Series 2024.
As Rajinder Singh continues to grow in his career, he’s excited about his journey with Hyderabad Toofans. The team has some top players, like renowned drag-flicker Gonzalo Peillat and FIH Player of the Year nominee Zach Wallace. Rajinder is eager to learn from them and gain valuable experience in the upcoming HIL season.
“I’m looking forward to working with Pasha Gademan, our Head Coach. He has a unique style, using aggressive tactics, especially when the team is down,” Rajinder mentioned. With strong teammates and a solid strategy, Rajinder Singh is ready for the challenge ahead in the HIL. He can’t wait for the season to start and hopes to make a real impact.
In his journey from a young hopeful to a professional, Rajinder Singh’s story is just beginning. Like a “century on test debut” in cricket, his auction win in the Hockey India League represents the start of something great.
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