Ram Mehar Singh is a legendary figure in the world of kabaddi, hailing from Haryana, India. With a career spanning several decades, he has made an indelible mark as a player and, more significantly, as a coach in the sport of kabaddi. His aggressive coaching style, tactical prowess, and ability to inspire players have earned him widespread recognition and numerous accolades. Currently, he serves as the head coach of the Haryana Steelers kabaddi team in the Pro Kabaddi League, continuing to shape the future of this traditional Indian sport.
Ram Mehar Singh A Storied Playing Career
Ram Mehar Singh’s journey in kabaddi commenced in the 1980s when he began his career as a player. His remarkable skills and dedication led him to represent India at the national level, where he made significant contributions to the sport. His experiences as a player laid the foundation for his illustrious coaching career.
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Playing Career of Ram Mehar Singh
Ram Mehar Singh’s tryst with kabaddi began as a player, where he exhibited exceptional skills and a deep understanding of the game. His playing career, which spanned several years, is highlighted by numerous accolades and honors:
- Arjuna Award (2003): Singh’s remarkable performances as a kabaddi player earned him the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2003, a testament to his excellence in the sport.
- Asian Games Gold Medals (1998, 2002): He played a pivotal role in helping the Indian kabaddi team clinch gold medals at the Asian Games in Bangkok (1998) and Busan, South Korea (2002), the latter as the team’s captain.
- Swabhiman Award (2001): Singh was honored with the Swabhiman Award by the Vice President of India in 2001, recognizing his outstanding contributions to kabaddi.
- Bhim Award (2001): He received the Bhim Award from the Governor of Haryana in 2001, further underscoring his significant impact on the sport.
- Best Sportsman Awards: Singh’s excellence was acknowledged with awards such as the Best Sportsman Award of Services by the Prime Minister in 2001 and the Best Sportsman Award of Air Force by the Defence Minister in 1999.
Coaching Odyssey of Ram Mehar Singh
Following his illustrious playing career, Ram Mehar Singh transitioned into coaching, where he continued to make waves. His coaching journey includes remarkable achievements:
- Coach of Services Kabaddi Team: Singh served as the coach of the Services Kabaddi Team, guiding them to victory with Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals in the National Championship during the period of 2005-2016.
- Government Observer for Indian Kabaddi Team: He held the pivotal role of Government Observer for the Indian Kabaddi Team from 2009 to 2014, playing a crucial role in shaping the team’s strategies and development.
- Coach of Indian Kabaddi Team (2008): Singh’s coaching acumen was evident when he led the Indian Kabaddi Team to a Gold medal victory in the championship held in China in 2008.
Educational Background and Certifications of Ram Mehar Singh
- B.A: Singh holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A) degree.
- Diploma Course in Kabaddi: He completed a diploma course in Kabaddi from the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NSNIS) in Bangalore in 2005, receiving an ‘A’ Grade for his proficiency.
Current Roles of Ram Mehar Singh
Presently, Ram Mehar Singh serves as the Deputy Director of Sports in the Gurugram Division of Haryana, showcasing his commitment to nurturing sports talent in the region. Additionally, he holds the esteemed position of Head Coach of the Patna Pirates, a prominent team in the Pro Kabaddi League.
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Ram Mehar Singh’s journey from a successful kabaddi player to an iconic coach exemplifies his unwavering dedication to the sport. His ability to install a winning mentality, coupled with his tactical brilliance, has left an indelible mark on the sport of kabaddi. As a respected coach and an Arjuna Award recipient, he serves as an inspiration to aspiring coaches and players alike, ensuring that kabaddi continues to thrive and evolve for generations to come.
