Indian hockey ex-skipper to return honour to UT

Akash Ghai

Tribune News Service

Mohali, July 2

Much to the embarrassment of the Chandigarh Administration, Arjuna Awardee Rajpal Singh, India’s former hockey skipper, is set to give back his state award (commendation certificate) to the Administration on National Sports Day next month.

Confirming the development, the former ace forward said he was miffed with the “indifferent attitude” of the Administration towards the players who had brought glory to the city at the national and international level.

Rajpal said he had made up his mind to give back the state award, which was bestowed on him at the Republic Day function in 2002 for his achievements in hockey, to the Chandigarh Administration on National Sports Day.

Citing reasons, the miffed sportsperson said the Administration had done little for the players who had brought glory to the city at the national and international level.

“I had represented the city in various national tourneys. I had also led the country in top-class hockey tournaments. What did I get in return from the Administration? Just a commendation certificate and a cash reward of Rs 1 lakh,” said Rajpal Singh, who is currently a Deputy Superintendent of Police in the Punjab Police.

Rajpal said due to the “indifferent attitude” of the sports authorities in Chandigarh towards top players, he was forced to shift base to Punjab three years ago. “See the difference; the Punjab government not only gave me a number of cash rewards, but also a job in the Punjab Police,” said Rajpal while showing gratitude to the Punjab Government.

Rajpal was part of the Indian team which won the silver in the Commonwealth Games, 2010, the bronze in the Asian Games, 2010, and the gold in the Asian Champions Trophy in 2011. He had led the national team in 2009.