Shirash Pal Singh

Shirash Pal Singh was responsible for taking kabaddi in India to a whole new level. He was born in a small village called Bandpur of Khekra tehsil in Baghpat district. He played kabaddi throughout high school, college and also at the national level.

Career

After joining Indian Air Force he obtained a diploma in kabaddi & kho-kho coaching from the National Institute of sports (NIS). He became the coach of the services national team. Impressed by his performance he was soon appointed the coach of the Indian National kabaddi team. He was the coach of the Indian kabaddi team that won gold medal in the 1995 SAF games.

He won the gold again in the 13th Asian Games in Bangkok in 1998. He was awarded by the then prime Minister of India Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the Vigyan Bhavan for this feat. He was also appointed the chief coach of the Indian kabaddi team for the 1999 SAF games in Kathmandu but could not go there due to personal reasons.

During his sports career he always sought to bring kabaddi at par with the other international sports. He supported the use of artificial surface and modern equipments in kabaddi.

Apart from being a great spotsperson he was also a committed officer. He toppped the Air Force Academy, Hyderabad and received President's medal for the same. His achievements would continue to inspire future generations for centuries to come.

External links

[http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19981216/35050734.html India wins Kabaddi gold]

[http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabaddi Kabaddi]

[http://www.rediff.com/sports/1998/dec/14d.htm India close to retaining gold]

[http://www.rediff.com/sports/1998/dec/15d.htm India take Kabaddi gold]