Santokh Singh Matharu was a hockey legend. He attained this status by playing for Kenya at the 1964 and 1968 olympic games. He also played at the 1971 Hockey World Cup where Kenya finished forth and Santokh played a major role as a player in that championship.
Not only was Santokh a player of legendary status but also even as a coach, he had the uncanny ability to mastermind victories over much stronger opponents than the teams he coached. Alas, this was at club level because he was never given the opportunity to coach the National team by powers that be.
On a personal level, I tried to emulate Santokh on the hockey field but that would be tantamount to showing candle light to the moon!
An anecdote comes to mind as regards to this. My father was an ardent hockey fan and once came to watch my club team (Karate Axiom Hockey Club) playing Santokh's team Simba Union in the Kenya Cup finals. This was the official Kenya Hockey Championship tournament. We lost to Simba Union 6-1. After the game, my father said to me, "As long as Santokh plays for Simba Union, your team will always be second best".
During my tenure as Kenya National hockey coach, never once did I attend a hockey tournament where ex-international players of great hockey nations of the 60's and 70's, India and Pakistan would not mention fondly and with great respect the great Santokh Singh. This indeed speaks volume for Santokh's quality as a hockey player.
Sadly he passed away last year. He may be gone physically but all his colleagues will hold his memorable performances and easy demeanor close to their hearts for the rest of their lives, thereby immortalizing the great Santokh.
Gursharan Lall. (Former coach of Kenya National hockey team)
Not only was Santokh a player of legendary status but also even as a coach, he had the uncanny ability to mastermind victories over much stronger opponents than the teams he coached. Alas, this was at club level because he was never given the opportunity to coach the National team by powers that be.
On a personal level, I tried to emulate Santokh on the hockey field but that would be tantamount to showing candle light to the moon!
An anecdote comes to mind as regards to this. My father was an ardent hockey fan and once came to watch my club team (Karate Axiom Hockey Club) playing Santokh's team Simba Union in the Kenya Cup finals. This was the official Kenya Hockey Championship tournament. We lost to Simba Union 6-1. After the game, my father said to me, "As long as Santokh plays for Simba Union, your team will always be second best".
During my tenure as Kenya National hockey coach, never once did I attend a hockey tournament where ex-international players of great hockey nations of the 60's and 70's, India and Pakistan would not mention fondly and with great respect the great Santokh Singh. This indeed speaks volume for Santokh's quality as a hockey player.
Sadly he passed away last year. He may be gone physically but all his colleagues will hold his memorable performances and easy demeanor close to their hearts for the rest of their lives, thereby immortalizing the great Santokh.
Gursharan Lall. (Former coach of Kenya National hockey team)