Jalandhar: To commemorate the 121st birth anniversary of legendary hockey player and Olympian Major Dhyan Chand and National Sports Day, the Surjit Hockey Society organised a special function at the Surjit Hockey Stadium, Burlton Park, on Saturday.

Sports kits were distributed to 100 emerging hockey players associated with the Surjit Hockey Academy. Varjeet Singh Walia, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Jalandhar, and Ex-officio President of the Surjit Hockey Society, attended the event as the Chief Guest and distributed the kits to the budding players.

Extending his greetings to the players on National Sports Day, Walia said sports play a vital role in the overall development of youth and inculcate discipline, hard work, team spirit and a sense of responsibility.

DC Calls Upon Youth to Embrace Sports

DC Varjeet Singh Walia said the life and dedication of Major Dhyan Chand continue to inspire young players. He noted that Dhyan Chand represented India at the Olympic Games in 1928, 1932 and 1936, winning gold medals and earning Indian hockey a distinct place on the world stage.

He said Dhyan Chand’s sporting excellence, discipline and dedication to the nation continue to serve as an example for every sportsperson.

Walia called upon the youth to make sports an integral part of their lives and work consistently towards achieving their goals. He said Jalandhar has earned a special identity in India and abroad as a nursery of hockey talent, and providing every possible opportunity and support to young players is essential to carrying forward this legacy.

100 Emerging Players Receive Sports Kits

Welcoming the Deputy Commissioner, Working President of the Surjit Hockey Society Lekh Raj Nayyar said the initiative to provide sports kits to 100 emerging players aimed to promote hockey talent at the grassroots level and support talented players from economically weaker sections.

He said the Society has been working for a long time to promote hockey and provide young players with better training and facilities.

During the function, Deputy Commissioner Varjeet Singh Walia, office-bearers of the Society, coaches, players and parents cut a cake to commemorate the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand and paid tribute to the legendary hockey player.

They also pledged to further strengthen Jalandhar’s rich hockey legacy and provide greater encouragement and opportunities to emerging young talent.

Sports Kits Provided with Punjab Government Support

CEO of the Surjit Hockey Society Iqbal Singh Sandhu said the sports kits distributed to the players were provided by the Punjab Government’s Department of Sports and the Surjit Hockey Society, with the support of Dr B.S. Johal, Managing Director, Johal Superspeciality Hospital.

He appreciated Dr Johal’s support in encouraging young players and promoting hockey.

Among those present on the occasion were Working President Lakhwinderpal Singh Khaira, Surinder Singh Bhajpa, Honorary Secretary Ranbir Singh Tut, Senior Vice-President Ram Partap, Olympian Rajinder Singh, Gaurav Aggarwal and Karandeep Singh, besides hockey coaches Pardeep Kaur, Bindu and Sita Devi, along with other dignitaries, players and parents.