| Roop Singh | |
|---|---|
| Born | 9 August, 1910 Gwalior |
| Died | 16 December 1977 (aged 67) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
| Men’s Field Hockey | ||
| Competitor for India | ||
| Olympic Games | ||
| Gold | 1932 Los Angeles | Team |
| Gold | 1936 Berlin | Team |
Roop Singh Bais (Hindi: रूप सिंह) was an Indian hockey player. He was part of the celebrated Indian field hockey team which won gold medals for India at 1932 and 1936 Olympic Games.
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Roop Singh was a Bais Rajput. He was the younger brother of legendary hockey player Dhyan Chand. His father Sameshwar Dutt Singh was in the Indian Army, and he too played hockey in the army. Roop singh had another brother - Mool Singh.
His family was based in Gwalior. His son, Chandrashekhar played hockey for India.
Roop Singh played as the inside-left for the team and was considered one of the best in this category of Indian team so far. His stickwork along with powerful hit gave the Indian team much advantage in winning the matches as was his penalty shots. His coordination with fellow players Dhyan Chand, Gurmeet Singh, Dickie Carr, Pinniger and others produced spellbinding effect on spectators and resulted in victories subsequently. Dhyan Chand used to warn him to be careful with his hit otherwise someone could get injured.
Dhyan and Roop were often called up as Hockey Twins.
He never argued with umpires on any umpiring decision. Singh believed in dressing well and just before the team was to leave for the 1932 Olympics, he refused to go because he did not have the right clothes for the occasion. Dhyan Chand had to look around for some new clothes before Singh finally agreed to go.
Being in the Indian Hockey Team he never disappointed with his game. His three goals against Japan and ten goals against USA, in the Los Angeles Summer Olympics 1932, are remembered as his best in his sports career. He was in the armed forces of the Maharaja of Scindia.
The Captain Roop Singh Stadium in Gwalior, named after Singh, was originally a hockey stadium before it was converted into a cricket venue in the 1980s.
After the final of the 1936 Summer Olympics, Germans were so impressed with him that they named a street after him.