I thank Sachin for mentoring me: Sardar Singh

Former India hockey captain Sardar Singh who announced his retirement from international hockey post the disappointment of Asian Games, thanked Sachin Tendulkar for mentoring him during the most difficult phase of his career. Speaking to the media in the capital, a relaxed Sardar said, “I spoke to Sachin paaji after missing the Commonwealth Games. He spoke to me for two hours. Last 4-5 months particularly, which have been difficult times for me, he has been extremely helpful. He is my mentor. I want to thank him for his help and patience.”

Asked specifically how did the Master Blaster help him out, Sardar said Sachin shared his experience of making comebacks from a string of low scores. “I would ask him [Sachin] how did you get back after scoring a zero? What was your mindset the next day? He explained that he would watch videos of the times when he scored very well to see what he did right, but that alone was not enough. He said one cannot go into the next match just like that—one has to prepare and visualise. No one can make you mentally strong. You have to work towards it yourself,” Sardar said.

The veteran midfielder shot down all conspiracy theories about his decision to retire. Sardar said that the failure to win the gold medal at the Asian Games changed many things for him. He just didn’t want to go through the stress and pressure of wondering whether he would make it to the team next time. “The plan was to play till Tokyo 2020 but the mood changed post the loss to Malaysia in the semifinals of the Asian Games. I spoke to my family and coach Harendra Singh. I am very strong, have faced many things in my career, but I was getting affected by the pressure. To keep thinking at night what's going to happen tomorrow... those things affect performance.”

Sardar clarified that he had plans to play for European clubs and also tie up for coaching with these clubs. He will continue to play domestic hockey.

He termed the decision to quit as a hard one and said he will miss being part of the national team. “It's difficult. I will miss the team, the dressing room but one day this had to happen. Players will come and go,” said the 32-year-old player.

Sardar exuded full confidence in chief coach Harendra Singh’s ability to help India realise its goal of a podium finish in Tokyo 2020. “Harendra was my junior coach, too. The Harendra of now is very different, more accomplished and experienced. If the core group is groomed well, we can do even better in future. He is one of the best, he’s grown really a lot.”

Sardar appreciated the last 3-4 years when the Indian hockey team touched many heights. “The 2012 Champions Trophy was the highlight—some of the passes created were magical... they just happened.”

Selected in FIH’s all star team in 2011, Sardar’s only regrets, he said, were not winning the FIH player of the year award and being part of a team which could not find its way to an Olympic podium.