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Updated on July 22nd 2022, 5:45:49 pm

Story of Roop Singh : India's hockey star

Roop Singh was one of the most complete players of hockey of his times. Roop Singh won his two gold medals together with his brother, Dhyan Chand. Take a look at his story.

Roop Singh was one of the most complete players of hockey of his times. In addition to his power, his anticipation and stick work were also (occupational. His hits were so powerful that many times Dhyan Chand used) warn players to be careful of Roop Singh’s shots.


He was such a fine inside-left player that he had the ability to score Dais from the crosses sent by the outside-left. His penalty corner shots are as powerful as his hits.


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He had extreme respect for the umpires or referees. He never argued with umpires during his playing days. After the final of the 1936 Berlin Olympics, the Germans were so impressed by him that they named a street after him.


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In his personal life he was fond of wearing good clothes. His fantasy or clothes was so intense that he refused to go with the Indian team in the 1932 Olympics. It was Dhyan Chand who brought the right clothes for me and then Singh agreed to join the team. Roop Singh won his two gold medals together with his brother, Dhyan Chand, and is usually considered the best inside left of all-time. He was famous for his stick-work, hard hitting, and penalty corners. Singh scored 13 goals in the two games he played at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics. A stadium in his hometown city of Gwalior was named after him. After the 1936 Olympic final a street in Berlin was also named for him, as well as a street at the Olympic Park in München in 1972. Singh was among three Indian players to have tube stations in London re-named for them prior to the 2012 Summer Olympics.


Singh belonged to the Bais Rajputs, a clan of wealthy landowners and liked to live and dress stylishly. As an officer he served in the Army of Maharaja Jiwaji Rao Scindia.


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