PM Modi mentions Rajinder Singh Senior and his contribution for hockey in Mann ki Baat
Babushahi Network
Chandigarh/Jalandhar, September 27, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today mentioned Rajinder Singh Senior hockey legend in his Mann ki Baat programme.
He remembered his contribution as a player in 1980 Olympic gold winning team, 1981-82 World cup and 1982 Asian cup Silver medal winning team and presently working for nurturing hockey talent in villages of Punjab. He also mentioned how AstroTurf is being laid in villages of Punjab.
Read what PM said about Rajinder Singh Senior:
I announced a talent hunt campaign for sports from the Red Fort this time. To ensure India continues to perform excellently, it is essential to reach out to villages and towns to discover sporting talent. At the same time, there are many individuals who have dedicated themselves to this very cause. Their sole passion is to discover talent and shape it.
In our Punjab, Rajinder Singh ji is doing exactly this work. Rajinder Singh ji is one such individual who also carries the title ‘Senior’ as part of his name. He was part of the team that won the gold medal in hockey at the 1980 Olympics. He shone at the 1982 World Cup. In 2001, India won the Men’s Junior World Cup title for the first time, whereas in 2003, the country clinched the Senior Asia Cup title. He played the role of the coach in both these tournaments. Now, he is pursuing his passion through the Round Glass Hockey Academy. Thanks to his efforts, new hockey astro-turfs are being laid in villages. Rajinder ji has a very clear focus: identifying children in villages that lack access to excellent coaching facilities. Through such initiatives, many players are securing spots at India's junior and senior levels. No matter how much Rajinder Singh ji’s dedication is lauded, it’s not enough.
Read about life of Rajinder Singh Senior below:
Rajinder Singh Senior – Life and Achievements
- Birth and early life
- Rajinder Singh Senior was born on 7 January 1958 in Karli village, Amritsar district, Punjab.
- He was born to S. Balwant Singh and Mata Bhagwant Kaur.
- He developed an interest in hockey during his college years at Brigindra College, Faridkot.
- Beginning of hockey career
- He represented his college and entered university-level hockey.
- In 1976, under his captaincy, the Punjabi University team won the All India Inter-University Championship.
- His performances earned him selection for the Combined Universities hockey team and major national tournaments.
- Entry into international hockey
- Rajinder Singh became an important defender for India and was particularly known for his penalty-corner scoring ability.
- His first international appearance came in 1976, and he represented India internationally until 1983.
- Moscow Olympics, 1980
- The greatest achievement of his playing career came at the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games.
- He was a member of the Indian hockey team that defeated Spain in the final and won the Olympic gold medal.
- This was India's eighth Olympic gold medal in men's hockey.
- 1981–82 World Cup
- Rajinder Singh was selected for the 1981–82 World Cup in Mumbai.
- He scored 13 goals in the tournament and finished as its top scorer, a remarkable achievement for a defender.
- 1982 Asian Games
- He also represented India at the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi.
- India reached the final but lost to Pakistan and won the silver medal.
- Career as a coach
- After his playing career, Rajinder Singh Senior devoted himself to developing young hockey players.
- He worked with the Chandigarh Hockey Academy, including training boys and girls.
- He later served as a coach at NIS Patiala and continued contributing to hockey development.
- Contribution to young players
- His coaching has helped nurture several players who went on to represent India.
- Former India player Monika Malik has spoken about his emphasis on fundamentals and team spirit during her academy years.
- Continuing contribution
- Rajinder Singh Senior has remained involved in hockey development and has worked in technical and grassroots development roles, including with the RoundGlass hockey programme in Punjab.