Hall of Fame

Santokh Singh

Category: Athlete
Sport: Football
Year Inducted: 2004

Santokh Singh was no stranger to football. It was developed at such a young age that blossom his passion for the sport, so much so that he structured his own team together with his friends and played friendly matches against neighbouring teams. He translated his passion for football in winning several key matches that catapulted Malaysia and himself to greater heights.

Born in Setapak on 22 June, 1952, he ventured first as a midfielder, upon experience and pure hardwork he became an accomplished defender and along the way, assisted his Batu Road School to shine at numerous championships. At the age of 17, he was chosen to represent the effervescent Selangor combined schools team, prior to represent Selangor in the intense Burnley Cup in 1971.

Some of the highlights of his footballing career includes when he starred for the fittingly named club side MICO (abbreviation for Malays, Indians, Chinese and others) circa the zenith of the Selangor league as well as his ferocious and strategic partnership of defence together with Soh Chin Aun, making it impenetrable for the incoming opponents from all sides imaginable. Such was the spirit and supremacy of our football legends back then.

Santokh’s superb portfolio for the Kampung Pandan based outfit voiced their interest in him by offering him a job with PKNS and the chance to play for one of the top teams in the league, and he had not looked back since. He defended his way through the football pitch until he was inducted into the prestigious and elite senior Selangor squad and progressed from strength to strength to solidly launched himself as one of the most polished and refined footballer Malaysia have ever witnessed.

This statuesque individual has won just about every football outing that was on offer between 1972 and 1985; the SEA Games gold (1977/79), Asian Games bronze (1974) and the Merdeka Tournament (1973/74/76). Along the way, he continues to flourish in bringing Selangor, his home state, to the Malaysia Cup title for a record of nine times.

In a nutshell, Santokh Singh is an undeniable force in the Malaysian football history. His sheer dedication to succeed and his quick thinking in devising strategies propelled him to become an iconic legend for all to emulate. What started first as a passion now becomes an occupation that he loves – and it shows.

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