Sandeep Singh facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Sandeep Singh Saini

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Personal information
Full name	Sandeep Singh Saini
Born	(1986-02-27) 27 February 1986 (age 39) Shahabad, Haryana, India
Height	1.84 m (6 ft 0 in)
Playing position	Fullback
Senior career
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2013	Mumbai Magicians	12	(11)
2014–2015	Punjab Warriors	1	(22)
2016	Ranchi Rays	1	(0)
National team
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2004–2012	India	200+	(150+)
Medal record Men's Field hockey Representing  India Commonwealth Games Silver 2010 New Delhi Team Asian Games Bronze 2010 Guangzhou Team Champions Challenge Bronze 2007 Belgium Team Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Gold 2009 Malaysia Team
Last updated on: 21 January 2016

Sandeep Singh was born on February 27, 1986. He is a famous Indian field hockey player. He used to be the captain of the Indian national hockey team.

Sandeep plays as a full back. This means he plays in a defensive position. He is also a special player known as a penalty corner specialist. He is very good at hitting the ball hard and fast towards the goal. People often call him "Flicker Singh" because of his amazing drag-flick shots. These shots are some of the fastest in the world!

Sandeep Singh also holds a rank in the Haryana Police. In 2019, he was elected as a MLA for the Pehowa area in Haryana. He also served as the Sports Minister of Haryana.

Early Life and Family

Sandeep Singh grew up in Shahabad town. This town is located in the Kurukshetra area of Haryana, India. He went to school at Shivalik Public School in Mohali.

His parents are Gurucharan Singh Saini and Daljeet Kaur Saini. Sandeep has an older brother named Bikramjeet. Bikramjeet is also a field hockey player.

Sandeep Singh's Hockey Career

Sandeep Singh playing in a hockey game.

Sandeep Singh has had a very exciting career in field hockey. He played for both the Indian national team and different club teams. He is known for his powerful shots and leadership on the field.

International Hockey Matches

Sandeep started playing international hockey in January 2004. His first big tournament was the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Kuala Lumpur. He became the captain of the Indian national team in January 2009. Later, Rajpal Singh took over as captain in 2010.

Sandeep is famous for his drag-flick technique. At one point, his drag-flick was considered the fastest in the world. It could reach speeds of 145 kilometers per hour! Under his leadership, the Indian team won the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in 2009. They beat Malaysia in the finals. This was a big win for India after 13 years. Sandeep was also the top goal scorer in that tournament.

The India men's national field hockey team qualified for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. This was a huge achievement after not qualifying for 8 years. The team had a big win against France in the final qualifying match, winning 9–1. Sandeep Singh was the star of that game. He scored five goals, including three goals in a row, all from penalty corners. He was the highest scorer of the Olympic qualifiers tournament, scoring 16 goals in total.

Club Hockey Teams

Sandeep Singh also played for different club teams in the Hockey India League. He was one of the highest-paid players in the first league season. The Mumbai team, called Mumbai Magicians, bought him for a large sum of money. He was the top scorer in the first league season, scoring 11 goals in 12 games.

In 2014, he joined Punjab Warriors. After playing two seasons there, he moved to Ranchi Rays in 2015 for the 2016 season. In 2014, Sandeep also played for Havant Hockey Club in the UK.

Overcoming Challenges

On August 22, 2006, Sandeep Singh faced a very serious injury. He was accidentally shot while on a train. This happened just two days before he was supposed to join the national team for the World Cup. He was only 20 years old at the time.

The injury was so severe that he was almost unable to move and had to use a wheelchair for a year. But Sandeep did not give up! He worked incredibly hard to recover. He not only got better but also returned to play for India in the 2010 World Cup. This shows his amazing strength and determination.

Political Career

Sandeep Singh was elected as a Member of Legislative Assembly (Haryana) from the Pehowa constituency. He won this election as a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party during the 2019 Haryana Legislative Assembly election.

After being elected, he was sworn in as a Minister. He served as the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs. He was also the Minister of Printing and Stationery.

Career Achievements and Awards

Sandeep Singh has achieved many great things in his hockey career. He has won several awards for his skills and contributions to the sport.

• In 2004, he was the top scorer at the Men's Hockey Junior Asia Cup, scoring 16 goals.
• He was the top scorer in the 2008 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
• In the 2009 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, he scored the most goals and was named the Man of the Tournament. He also won the "Best Player" award for this tournament.
• He was the leading goal scorer in the qualifying tournament for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. He scored 16 goals in total, including five goals in the final match.
• In the 2010 Asian Games, he was the top scorer with 11 goals.
• In 2010, he set a world record for the fastest drag flick, reaching 145 kilometers per hour.
• He was the top scorer in the 2013 Hockey India League with 11 goals in 12 games.
• He was also the top scorer in the 2014 Hockey India League with 11 goals.

Sandeep Singh in 2004.

Awards Received

• In 2010, Sandeep Singh received the Arjuna Award. This is a very important award given for great achievements in sports in India.
• In 2012, he won a gold medal in the Olympic qualifier tournament.