Hockey veteran remains a role model for young players

Brig Harcharan Singh (retd) along with Samiullah Khan of Pakistan was regarded among the world’s fastest left-wingers in hockey during the 1970s. Amritsar-based Harcharan Singh, VSM and Arjuna awardee, medal winning hockey Olympian and gold medallist in World Hockey Cup 1975, continues to be a role model for young hockey players from the region.

Having retired from the Army in 2006, he does not forget to take time out to meet young hockey players to help them learn the nuances of the game. Without any hitch, he gives them insight into ways to improve their field hockey.

Born at Marar village in Gurdaspur district, Harcharan was only 19 years old when he was selected for the Indian team in 1969. He played in three World Cups, two Olympics and two Asian Games.

He is remembered as the player who scored the winning goal in India’s 2-1 extra-time win over Malaysia in the 1975 World Cup semifinal at the Merdeka Stadium in Kuala Lumpur. India went on to win the tournament, beating Pakistan in the final, their only victory in the World Cup so far.

His stint as the chief national trainer of the Indian hockey team in 1999 lasted just for a month as he had to move to Jammu and Kashmir to join duty due to the Kargil war. He also coached the Army team.

About the present hockey team, he says they have been sincerely trying to find their place in world hockey by winning two consecutive bronze medals in as many editions of Olympics. But to reach the level of hockey played during his time, he feels they need to work harder on the field.

“I am personally happy with the victory of Indian team in the recently concluded Paris Olympics,” he says.

The veteran stated that as far as players from Punjab are concerned, the captain of the Indian hockey team, Harmanpreet Singh, who has been twice declared the Player of the Year by FIH, was the highest scorer in the Tokyo and Paris Olympics. The performance of the India hockey team revolved around him, he feels. “We are really proud of him and other Punjab players who are doing a great job for Indian hockey, the team in fact included five players from Amritsar district only.”

• Born at Marar village in Gurdaspur district, Harcharan was only 19 years old when he was selected for the Indian team in 1969. He played in three World Cups, two Olympics and two Asian Games.
• He is remembered as the player who scored the winning goal in India’s 2-1 extra-time win over Malaysia in the 1975 World Cup semifinal at the Merdeka Stadium in Kuala Lumpur. India went on to win the tournament, beating Pakistan in the final, their only victory in the World Cup so far.