In the 138th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Hon’ble Prime Minister recognises the Olympic gold medallist’s contribution to Indian hockey and his efforts to identify and nurture young talent in villages in Punjab.
Mohali, September 27, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted the contribution of Rajinder Singh Senior, Technical Lead of Roundglass Hockey Academy, and the Academy’s efforts to identify and develop hockey talent at the grassroots, during the 138th episode of his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat, on Sunday.
Speaking about the need to reach villages and towns to identify sporting talent, the Prime Minister specifically recognised Rajinder Singh Senior’s contribution to Indian hockey and his efforts to take his passion for the sport forward through Roundglass Hockey Academy. “In Punjab, Rajinder Singh ji is doing exactly this work,” PM Modi said in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address about the hockey legend.
“He is pursuing his passion through the Roundglass Hockey Academy. Thanks to his efforts, new hockey astro-turfs are being laid in villages. Rajinder ji has a very clear focus: identifying children in villages that lack access to excellent coaching facilities. Through such initiatives, many players are securing spots at India’s junior and senior levels. No matter how much Rajinder Singh ji’s dedication is lauded, it won’t be enough. It deserves the highest appreciation”.
Through Roundglass Hockey Academy, the hockey great is channelling his experience and passion to the next generation of Indian hockey players, with a particular focus on talent emerging from villages and communities where access to quality coaching and infrastructure can be limited.
Since its inception in 2021, Roundglass Hockey Academy has established itself as one of India’s leading hockey academies, winning 40+ titles. Rajinder Singh Sr. has been central to this progress. The academy is a three-time winner of the Hockey India Junior Men’s Academy Championship and, earlier this year, became the first Indian hockey academy to win a title in Australia after lifting the International Hockey Youth Cup in Sydney.
Through initiatives such as the Punjab Hockey League, India’s biggest U21 hockey league, and PHL NexGen – Girls 5s, Roundglass Hockey Academy continues to create competitive opportunities and pathways for the next generation of hockey players. The academy has also produced several players who have represented India across age groups, including at the senior level. The list includes 2025 Junior Hockey World Cup bronze medallists Princedeep Singh, Gurjot Singh and Arshdeep Singh, as well as Gursewak Singh, who recently helped India lift the 2026 Junior Asia Cup title, among many others.
PM Modi also spoke in detail about Rajinder Singh Sr.’s playing career, acknowledging his Olympic gold win and his heroics at the 1982 Hockey World Cup. Additionally, PM Modi lauded the hockey legend’s contributions as national coach.
“He was part of the team that won the gold medal in hockey at the 1980 Olympics. He shone at the 1982 World Cup. In 2001, India won the Men’s Junior World Cup title for the first time, whereas in 2003, the country clinched the Senior Asia Cup title. He played the role of the coach in both these tournaments,” said PM Modi.
Speaking on the Prime Minister’s recognition, Rajinder Singh Senior, Technical Lead, Roundglass Hockey Academy, said, “It is a great honour to have the work we are doing through Roundglass Hockey Academy recognised by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Hockey has been my life, first as a player, then as a coach and now through our efforts to create opportunities for the next generation. The Prime Minister’s words are a great source of encouragement for all of us.
“This recognition wouldn’t have been possible without the vision of Gurpreet Sunny Singh, who established the Roundglass Hockey Academy with a commitment to invest in grassroots hockey and create pathways for young talent. His continued support has enabled us to reach the hidden pockets of Punjab, where talent can often go unnoticed, and provide young players with the coaching, infrastructure and opportunities they need to progress in the sport.”
The recognition reinforces Roundglass Hockey Academy’s broader mission to rebuild India’s passion for field hockey by tapping into hidden pockets of talent across the country. The Academy provides young athletes with international-level infrastructure, equipment and coaching.
