Rajwinder Singh

Who is Rajwinder Singh?

Rajwinder Singh, full name Rajvinder Singh Rai from Khusropur, Julhander, Punjab, India, was one of the top Indian field hockey internationals during his peak. He scored a solo goal for India against Pakistan during the semi-final of the Hockey World Championships in Barcelona in 1971.

Prior to playing in the World Cup, Rajvinder, who graduated from Ludhiana Agricultural University, represented the all Indian University hockey team for three years, touring the country and abroad. It was whilst he was a university student that he represented India, and received a roll of honour from his University, making him the first student to receive such an honour.

There he met with Paolo Bonomi from the Italian Hockey Federation, who was so impressed with his skill and speed that he invited Rajvinder to play for his club in Italy - Geo Gomma which became known as Paolo Bonomi. There he won the hearts of the Italian nation by his modest approach to the game and life in general. There he won four Italian National Championships; three Italian Cups; three Italian Indoor Championships and was five times the National Italian Leagues Top Scorer. For the Italians he was what Pelé was to football.