Punjab being unfairly targeted over drugs, says Indian basketball team captain Palpreet Singh Brar

Indian senior men’s basketball team captain Palpreet Singh Brar has said that the issue of drugs in Punjab is being exaggerated compared to other states.

During a visit to his home district, Muktsar, Palpreet said, “Drugs in Punjab is not as big an issue as it is made out to be. I have said earlier too that it is not a big problem. The situation is similar in other states as well. When I went to Kerala in 2015-16, I saw people consuming so much alcohol you can’t even imagine. We (Punjab) have been made a target and we are being degraded more.”

Further speaking to media persons in Gidderbaha, Palpreet spoke about his basketball journey. “It feels good to be here. I started from here in 2009-10 and never thought of becoming captain. Hard work was essential, and luckily I got good coaches in Ludhiana, including Subramaniam Sir. I worked thrice a day on my game,” he said.

Standing 6'11" tall, Palpreet added that becoming skipper was not his ultimate goal. “I was not very excited about becoming captain. My main aim was to win the match in Saudi Arabia, but unfortunately we could not,” he said, referring to the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 held from August 5 to 17 in Saudi Arabia.

Palpreet is currently working with the Railways as Deputy Chief Inspector of Trains (Dy CIT). He hails from Kothe Surgapuri village in Muktsar district.