Long before she secured a
The tour serves as a highlight of the centenary celebrations marking sporting ties between India and New Zealand. For Singh, who balances her elite sporting career with her role as a physical education teacher at DPS RK Puram in New Delhi, the journey has been defined by versatility and a willingness to embrace new challenges.
From the Cricket Pitch to the Lawn Bowls Green
Singh’s athletic background is diverse, spanning cricket, football, and eventually lawn bowls. She spent five years playing in the Rani Jhansi Trophy, where she served as captain for the Delhi side and represented her university. Her pivot to lawn bowls occurred in 2006 when coaches visited her school to scout talent for the 2010 Commonwealth Games. By the 2007 National Games in Guwahati, she had been selected for the Delhi team, with coaches citing her natural patience as a key attribute for the sport.
That initial transition proved remarkably successful, as Singh secured a podium finish in her debut National Games appearance. Her career reached a pinnacle in 2022 when she played a pivotal role in the women’s fours team that captured India’s first-ever lawn bowls gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Beyond that achievement, she has consistently performed at the international level, securing multiple medals at the Asian Lawn Bowls Championships.
No Regrets and a Focus on the Future
Despite her decorated career on the green, Singh maintains a deep affection for cricket. She fondly recalls taking a catch off a cut shot played by Mithali Raj during her playing days, a memory she holds in high regard. However, she remains steadfast in her decision to pursue lawn bowls, noting that she prioritised personal satisfaction and the pursuit of excellence over other considerations.
As she prepares for the New Zealand series, Singh is focused on mentoring the next generation of talent, including Jharkhand’s Reshma Kumari. Her advice to younger teammates remains consistent: maintain composure, embrace the learning process, and strive for high standards. Even after two decades in the sport, Singh insists that her motivation remains unchanged, driven by a desire to represent India with pride and maintain the high level of performance she has cultivated throughout her career.
