Retired Punjab sports officer devotes life to nurture sports talent

For this retired District Sports Officer (DSO), the playground of Khalsa School in Khanna is more than just a field—it is his second home and a place of worship that he visits twice daily without fail. “The sole aim of my life has been to train those who have the calibre but lag behind due to lack of opportunities. In my nursery, the training starts entirely free of cost from Class 5 or 6 and it goes on throughout the year—including Diwali, Dasehra, Holi, Sundays—without pause,” says Mohinder Singh, the retired DSO.

“I retired eight years ago. Here I have children who come empty-handed, wearing only slippers. I arrange shoes, spikes and sports equipment for them. Sometimes it becomes financially burdensome, but I have refused to relent, come what may. I have been continuing for the past 28 years despite hurdles, financial challenges, health issues and time constraints,” he shares.

Mohinder Singh began his journey as a Junior Sports Officer in 1987. He was later appointed to head a Speed Fund Academy in Ludhiana, where children under 12 were provided physical training. “As I worked on these kids, 17 of them qualified for the state-level games. I made a similar effort in my hometown Khanna, where there were neither good sports facilities nor guidance. I had to juggle between my job, the speed academy and training in Khanna, but my willpower never failed me. Even after becoming District Sports Officer in 1997, I divided my days so that none of my children would suffer. My students were as sincere as I was dedicated,” he says.

Singh trains athletes in a wide range of events including jumps, throws and track disciplines. “Khalsa School generously provided the ground for this purpose. That was all I had in the beginning, but gradually I managed to acquire every piece of sports equipment we needed. My kids have no pockets but a strong spirit to work hard, compete and win,” he remarks.

His hard work has borne fruit. His trainee Sukhdev Singh won a gold medal in the All India Inter-Varsity Competition. Bhupinder Singh secured a silver in the 400m relay; Kulwinder won silver in the 400m hurdles; Charanjit earned silver in the 1,000m race; Gurpreet clinched gold in shot put; Pawandeep took gold in long jump; Ajay Tandon earned bronze in the 400m relay; and Ikwinder won bronze in the 400m hurdles. Another pupil, Tarunpreet Singh Bhatia, claimed a bronze in the South Asian Games and Amritpal Singh represented India in the long jump.

Mohinder Singh’s trainees deeply revere his tireless and unwavering commitment. “DSO Sahib is a true sportsperson,” says international athlete Amritpal Singh, one of Singh’s most successful protégés.

“We have no words to describe the grit and fervour of this enthusiastic young old man, for whom there is no looking back in life,” shared Ikwinder Kaur, who shone in the 400m hurdles at the All India Inter-Varsity Competitions.

Gold medallist Gurpreet Singh adds, “DSO Sir seldom misses the ground. Without his consistent and untiring efforts, we would never have reached where we are today. Only we know what our mentor has done for us. He refuses no one and has always been a reliable support to all. Our coach forgets time when he is on the ground with his trainees. It is we who remind him that the heat is unbearable or that it is too dark to continue practice..”

Singh’s concern extends beyond Khanna. “If I am trying to pull through in my town, I know there are many other places where talent is waiting to be discovered. This issue needs urgent government attention. There is no shortage of talent in Punjab—they simply need to be identified, nurtured and guided onto the right path. Sports nurseries are the need of the hour, starting from the age of five. Instead of hiring amateurs, experienced sportspersons must be brought in—people who know no tiredness and accept none from others,” he urges.