Olympian Gurjit Kaur urges players to embrace discipline, hard work

The Surjit Hockey Academy was abuzz with enthusiasm on Friday as Olympian and Indian women’s hockey team star Gurjit Kaur visited the campus to mentor aspiring players. Her presence offered a unique and inspiring opportunity for the budding athletes to learn first-hand from one of India’s finest defenders.

Addressing the trainees, Gurjit Kaur stressed the core values essential for a successful career in sports—discipline, dedication, and hard work. She underlined the sacrifices and unwavering focus required to reach the top, offering a realistic yet motivating glimpse into the life of an elite athlete.

Sharing her own journey from a small village to representing India at the Olympics, Gurjit spoke about the challenges she faced and the resilience needed to overcome them. Her story resonated deeply with the young athletes, many of whom see her as a role model.

“Seeing the dreams in their eyes reminds me of my own early days,” she remarked after the session. “It is our responsibility to guide and support them. Academies like Surjit Hockey Academy form the backbone of Indian hockey, and I am confident that many future national players will emerge from here.”

The session culminated in an engaging Q&A, with Gurjit answering questions on managing high-pressure matches, honing technical skills, and maintaining peak physical fitness.