A taekwondo-lover in kabaddi

Patna: Taekwondo was always his first love; a sport in which he excelled and managed to win three Nationals medals. However, former India raider and cover, Rajiv Kumar Singh, has no regrets over trading the robe for the mud and mat.
“I was very much interested in taekwondo. I did well at the Nationals bagging three medals but my true calling lay in kabaddi.Once I started playing the sport in 1996, the success I enjoyed made me fall in love with it. Moreover, the job facilities which a kabaddi player used to get in those days were far superior to that of taekwondo,” says Singh.
For someone who takes a keen interest in cricket, Singh is happy that the country is slowly developing itself into a sporting powerhouse. “The youngsters who are interested in sports are tremendously benefitting from the likes of the Indian Premier league, the Hockey India league and now the Pro-kabaddi league. The matches are of international standard and provide the players with invaluable experience. They are being prepared for the International grind from a very early stage.”
Having led the state to two national triumphs, Singh believes the Pro-kabaddi league will undoubtedly enhance the game with a balanced mixture of glitz and glamour. “The atmosphere for kabaddi here is very good. With the league coming here, the promotion of the game is ought to be great. It will only get better from here on. The corporate houses and celebrities, too, have shown fondness for the game. They are willing to invest in it. It is a great motivation for the players. New players will definitely come through,” says the 2006 Asian Games gold medalist.
With a majority of the kabaddi players emanating from the rural sections of the state, Singh is happy with the facilities the current lot is provided with. “During our time there were hardly any facilities for us. We had to play on mud and perform. There were no such leagues. Getting foreign players to participate in the league will only help the game grow. Kabaddi will also be in a better position to become an Olympic sport,” adds Singh.
Having donned the India colours, Singh understands the emotions attached with one representing the country but wants the upcoming youngsters to be patient and work hard through the district and national levels. “I still get goose bumps whenever I think of the time we won the Asiad in Doha. It is a matter of great pride for any player to represent his country but the players should understand that they need to be patient.”
Singh is currently busy moulding and monitoring the next generation of players from the state as a coach in the National Institute for Sports.