Olympians mentor youth in Punjab's hockey heartland

In the heartland of Indian hockey, Surjit Hockey Academy, Jalandhar, has emerged as a beacon of hope and excellence for young aspiring hockey players. With a mission to preserve Punjab’s illustrious hockey heritage, the academy has rapidly established itself as one of the premier grassroots development centres.

Founded with a vision to nurture future hockey champions, Surjit Hockey Academy opened its doors in the aftermath of the COVID-19 lockdowns, holding its first summer coaching camp with just ten students.

Today, that modest beginning has grown exponentially, with over 100 budding players receiving training daily at the historic Surjit Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar during the ongoing summer coaching camp.

The academy is currently hosting its annual summer coaching camp, which began on June 1 and will conclude on June 30. The camp has garnered widespread attention not only due to its scale but also owing to the participation of celebrated Olympians and international hockey stars who visit to inspire and mentor the players.

Olympian Rajinder Singh, Dronacharya Awardee and chief coach of the academy, leads the experienced coaching panel. Joining him are seasoned mentors including Davinder Singh, Yudhvir Singh Johny, Pardeep Kaur, Prof Balwinder Singh, Bindu and Sita Devi—each contributing their expertise and dedication to shaping the next generation of hockey players.

Earlier, Olympian Manpreet Singh also visited the camp to guide and motivate the young sportspersons. The players, aged between 5 and 18 years, participate in the camp with a focus on discipline, technical skills and physical fitness. According to Coach Rajinder Singh, “Our goal is not just to teach hockey, but to instill values, teamwork and ambition.”

Free training, player support

What distinguishes Surjit Hockey Academy is its unwavering commitment to accessibility. All training is provided free of cost, allowing children from all socio-economic backgrounds to dream big. Every trainee receives free hockey equipment, ensuring that financial limitations do not become a barrier to talent.

To support overall growth and well-being, the academy also provides a high-quality nutritional plan, including soaked almonds, bananas and milk—a thoughtful initiative aimed at holistic development.

Recognised by Hockey India

In a relatively short span, the academy has earned direct affiliation with Hockey India (HI) as a member unit, enabling its teams to participate in national championships.

The academy proudly carries forward the legacy of Olympian Surjit Singh Randhawa, after whom it is named. Surjit Singh’s name is synonymous with dedication, discipline and sporting excellence—values that remain at the heart of the academy’s philosophy.

Officials at the academy strongly advocate for sports as a powerful means to steer the youth away from drugs and negative influences. “We need to bring our children to the playgrounds,” said Iqbal Singh Sandhu, Chief Executive Officer of the Surjit Hockey Society and Surjit Hockey Academy. “Hockey builds discipline, team spirit and opens the door to a better future. It’s time for parents to take initiative and encourage their children to embrace sports.”

Amid rising concerns over drug abuse among youth, the academy stands as a model of positive engagement—where children not only learn a sport but also become part of a structured, value-driven community. As the summer camp nears its conclusion on June 30, the energy, commitment and hope that fill the stadium each day are a testament to the academy’s mission of truly shaping champions—on and off the field.