Former Indian striker Shivendra Singh has taken on a multi-faceted role as part of the coaching staff for the Indian hockey team at the Asian Champions Trophy. Known for his flamboyant style and natural crowd-pleasing abilities during his playing days, Singh now serves as a coach, manager, and even a goalkeeping coach for the team.
With over 160 international caps and 80 goals to his credit, Singh was one of the finest goal-scorers for India. In his current role, he imparts his knowledge and expertise to the players, teaching them the art of scoring goals, receiving the ball, and capitalizing on rebounds. Singh’s involvement in coaching the goalkeepers is not new, as he has actively been doing it for the past year. He has been learning from the goalkeepers and practices with renowned goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh on a daily basis. Singh also attended a special camp for goalkeepers, where he had the opportunity to work with Dutch goalkeeping coach Dennis van de Pol.
Chennai holds a special place in Singh’s heart, as it was in this city that India emerged victorious in the 2007 Asia Cup. Singh was instrumental in India’s triumph, scoring 13 goals during the tournament. Reflecting on that memorable final against Korea, Singh remembers it as the best final of his career. The match ended with a resounding 7-2 victory for India, thanks to the excellent coordination and speed of the forwards, including Singh himself. He recalls the local crowd’s unwavering support, acknowledging their deep love and understanding of the sport.
Singh also reminisces about the calming presence of Dilip Tirkey, who was then a player on the team and is now the president of Hockey India. Tirkey’s experience and composed nature helped the team maintain focus and manage their excitement during crucial moments. Singh acknowledges Tirkey’s role in guiding the team to success.
Singh’s current endeavor in coaching and mentoring young players allows him to contribute to the development of Indian hockey. He is grateful for the opportunity to share his love for the sport and utilize his skills and knowledge to shape the next generation of hockey players. Despite the challenges and demanding nature of his multi-faceted role, Singh finds joy in the work and remains committed to the game that has given him so much.
Through his participation in tournaments like the Asian Champions Trophy and his dedication to coaching and mentoring, Singh continues to leave a lasting impact on Indian hockey. His experience and expertise provide invaluable guidance, and his love for the sport remains unwavering. As the coaching staff, players, and fans come together for the Asian Champions Trophy, Shivendra Singh’s contribution to the Indian hockey team proves to be invaluable.
