100 years of Indian hockey: Jalandhar’s legacy continues to inspire youth

As the nation celebrates 100 years of Indian hockey, Jalandhar’s immense contribution to the sport continues to shine. Over the decades, several Olympians from this hockey-loving district have donned the national colours, bringing glory to India on the world stage.

Marking the centenary celebrations, the Olympians shared their thoughts on the past, present, and future of Indian hockey.

Veteran Olympian Pargat Singh said Indian hockey has witnessed significant progress in the last five years, but more sustained efforts are needed to restore the sport to its golden era. “Continuous work is being done to promote hockey in Punjab, and we are seeing encouraging results. However, it is very important to revive hockey at the school level to strengthen the base,” he said.

Olympian Davinder Singh Garcha, who organises the annual Olympian Mohinder Singh Munshi Memorial Hockey Tournament, said this year he invited Ashok Kumar, son of the legendary Major Dhyan Chand, to be the chief guest. “Dhyan Chand was truly a ‘jadugar’ of hockey. I also believe that the stories of old Olympians should be told to the younger generations so that they understand our rich history and draw inspiration from it,” he said.

Among Jalandhar’s many hockey legends, Olympian Mohinder Singh Munshi from village Nangal Ambian remains a revered figure. A gifted player who was part of India’s hockey legacy, Munshi’s life was cut short by jaundice in 1977 at the age of just 24. His brother Satta Satpal Singh, admirers and fellow players continue to keep his memory alive through annual tournaments and tributes.

Olympian Sanjeev Kumar also praised the growing hockey eco-system in Punjab. “Players from Punjab are performing remarkably well. Hockey Punjab, along with Roundglass Academy, is working tirelessly to take the sport to greater heights,” he said.

Adding to the region’s pride, India recently clinched the Hockey Asia Cup 2025 title, with several Jalandhar players, including Manpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Hardik Singh, and Sukhjeet Singh, playing pivotal roles in the victory. Their performance again underscored Jalandhar’s continued legacy as the heart of Indian hockey.

The young Olympians also made India clinch bronze medal in Olympics.