Hockey, also known to be the national sports of India is referred to as The Soul of Punjab, do you know when was this sport first ever played in Punjab?, on 1896 this sport was firstly played.
In the heartland of India, where mustard fields stretch far and wide, hockey continues to beat as the pulse of Punjab. Known as the "Nursery of Indian Hockey," Punjab has gifted the nation some of its finest hockey players—both men and women—who have proudly carried the tricolor on international fields.
Hockey isn’t just a sport in Punjab—it’s a tradition, a symbol of pride, and a legacy. From rural villages to urban academies, sticks clack on concrete and grass, echoing dreams born in every young aspirant's heart.
Male Hockey Stars from Punjab
Balbir Singh Sr., a legend from Punjab, remains an immortal name. Born in Punjab’s Jalandhar district on December 31, 1923, Balbir Singh’s fascination with hockey took root early. After watching India win its third Olympic gold at Berlin 1936, Balbir Singh, then just 12-years-old, decided that hockey was the sport he wanted to make his mark in.
Six years later, Balbir Singh moved to Amritsar where Harbail Singh, the Indian hockey team coach at the 1952 and 1956 Olympics, spotted him and thus began his hockey journey. With three Olympic gold medals (1948, 1952, and 1956) and a world record for most goals in an Olympic final, he laid the foundation for India’s dominance in the sport.
Manpreet Singh, born in Mithapur, Jalandhar, have carried the legacy forward. Both his elder brothers were stars for the school hockey team and with former captain and Padma Shri awardee Pargat Singh serving as the deputy police superintendent in Mithapur, playing hockey was a natural step for young Manpreet Singh.
Playing against the wishes of his protective mother who considered hockey a ‘dangerous sport’, the stubborn Manpreet kept playing and impressed many.
Two years later, his passion finally earned his family’s trust and he got enrolled at the famed Surjit Hockey Academy in nearby Jalandhar. As the captain of the Indian men’s team, Manpreet led India to a historic bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, ending a 41-year Olympic medal drought.
Harmanpreet Singh, one of the finest drag-flickers and defenders in the world. His leadership and precision have turned him into a cornerstone of the national team. He first gained national attention during the 2015 Junior Asia Cup, where he was the top scorer. Since then, he has been a consistent part of the Indian national team, both junior and senior.
He played a vital role in India's bronze medal win at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, contributing crucial goals and defensive strength. As of recent years, he has also served as captain of the Indian men’s team, earning praise for his leadership and performance in major tournaments like the FIH Pro League and the World Cup.
Harmanpreet is known not just for scoring goals but for his calm under pressure and commitment to team success. He continues to be a key figure in India’s hockey resurgence on the global stage.
Other notable names include Varun Kumar, Simranjeet Singh, and Mandeep Singh, all from different towns of Punjab, who continue to strengthen India’s position in world hockey.
Rising Female Hockey Stars
Gurjit Kaur, from Miadi Kalan in Amritsar, emerged as a national hero when she scored the winning goal against Australia in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 quarterfinals, propelling India into its first-ever Olympic women’s hockey semifinal.
Gurjit Kaur is one of India’s top women’s hockey players, known for her powerful drag-flicks and strong defensive play. She rose to fame in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she scored the winning goal against Australia in the quarterfinal, helping India reach its first-ever women’s semifinal.
She was also the top scorer in the 2017 Asia Cup, where India won gold. Coming from a farming family, Gurjit trained hard to master drag-flicking and became one of the most feared penalty corner specialists in women’s hockey.
Navjot Kaur from Kurukshetra, who has played a vital midfield role in India’s rise in international women’s hockey. Though technically from Haryana, her strong ties to Punjab’s hockey training centers showcase the region’s broad influence. Navjot Kaur is a skilled and experienced player in the Indian women’s hockey team.
She has represented India in major tournaments including the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where India achieved a historic 4th place finish. One of her most memorable performances came in the 2016 Asia Cup.
Where she scored the winning goal in the final against China, helping India lift the trophy. Navjot has played over 200 international matches and is known for her agility, teamwork, and goal-scoring ability. She continues to be an important part of India's forward line, inspiring young players across the country.
Youngsters like Neha Goyal, Salima Tete, and others trained in Punjab’s academies are now entering the fray, bringing new energy and determination.
Punjab’s deep love for hockey is reflected in its grassroots programs, sports academies, and government support. With centers like Surjit Hockey Academy in Jalandhar and PAU Stadium in Ludhiana, the state continues to scout and nurture young talent.
Despite challenges in infrastructure and funding over the years, the unwavering passion of players and fans keeps hockey alive and thriving in the state. As India eyes future Olympic and World Cup glory, Punjab’s contribution to the national hockey narrative remains unparalleled.
With a legacy built on sweat, skill, and sheer willpower, the land of five rivers continues to produce warriors on the turf—both men and women—who unite the nation with every goal they score.
