Baldev Singh: The Veteran Coach Reviving Punjab's Hockey Legacy
A Lifelong Commitment to Hockey
At 75, Baldev Singh, a distinguished hockey coach, continues to ignite passion in young athletes, recently honored with the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, on June 25. His accolades also include the Dronacharya Award in 2009, recognizing his exceptional contributions to sports coaching.
Although he is not officially linked to any academy or institution, Baldev Singh is eager to play a pivotal role in revitalizing hockey in the state. He remains dedicated to mentoring emerging talents and enhancing the sport at the grassroots level.
His extensive experience and proven track record in nurturing talent can be crucial for developing the next generation of hockey players, provided his expertise is effectively utilized. Regarded as a highly respected mentor, Baldev Singh emphasizes that the future of Indian hockey hinges on identifying and training players from a young age.
Advocating for Structural Changes
In an interview, Baldev Singh, who has guided over 50 international players, stressed the necessity of a structured sports policy in schools to restore Punjab's former glory in hockey and other sports. He proposed that the state government adopt a sports policy akin to Haryana's to rejuvenate the sporting ecosystem and inspire youth participation.
He noted, "Haryana has a well-thought-out plan. They identify talent early, provide secure jobs, substantial cash rewards, and safeguard athletes' careers, which is why their medal tally in national competitions continues to rise."
Baldev Singh believes Punjab is rich in talent but requires a supportive policy that nurtures players from the under-14 level all the way to the Olympics.
Incentives for Young Athletes
The veteran coach advocates for increased prize money for exceptional athletes to motivate young talent. He pointed out that in Haryana, an Olympic gold medal is worth Rs 6 crore, while Punjab's rewards are comparatively lower. He emphasized that stronger incentives are essential to encourage parents in rural areas to support their children's sports aspirations.
He criticized the current system for primarily rewarding podium finishes, stating, "What happens to those who miss out on medals? They often return to farming or other jobs. We need to secure their futures to keep them engaged in sports."
While he commended the state government for promptly awarding prize money after athletes' achievements, he urged for more attractive rewards to draw youth into sports.
A Vision for the Future
Baldev Singh suggested that prize money should also be available at junior and youth levels, not just for the Olympics and Asian Games. He called for guaranteed Class-III and Class-II government jobs for national medallists and international players, following Haryana's model, and advocated for funding school-level academies with qualified coaches from the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NIS).
He reiterated the importance of promoting village-level hockey, proposing under-12 and under-14 leagues in districts, especially with the installation of sections of Punjab Agricultural University’s old AstroTurf in Mundian Kalan and Bondli.
He stated, "Turf is one aspect; policy is another. If we assure a 14-year-old from Mundian or Bondli education, nutrition, and a job based on performance, we will see the grounds filled again."
A Legacy of Mentorship
Despite undergoing bypass surgery in 2019, Baldev Singh believes he has five productive years left to contribute to hockey. He stated, "If Punjab adopts a Haryana-like policy and supports it with funding and job opportunities, we can produce champions once more. Prize money and policy must work together; otherwise, we will continue to admire other states' successes."
He expressed his willingness to share his knowledge and experience for the benefit of young players, particularly in Jarkhar, a village with a rich hockey tradition but lacking a full-sized synthetic turf.
He remarked, "If Jarkhar receives a proper synthetic surface, I will offer my expertise for free. We can prepare players for future competitions, including nationals. Jarkhar has a hockey academy and a strong tradition, but players currently train on grass or smaller surfaces. A full-size AstroTurf will help bridge the gap between village talent and city academies."
AstroTurf Installation Progress
The long-awaited demand for a full-size AstroTurf in Jarkhar is progressing, as the Punjab Sports Department has initiated the necessary steps for installation. This development follows persistent efforts by the Mata Sahib Kaur Sports Charitable Trust, which submitted a proposal to enhance hockey activities in the region. Jarkhar has gained national recognition for producing talented players and promoting the sport through its academy and tournaments.
Once the facility is established, veteran coach Baldev Singh will provide coaching and guidance to promising youngsters, creating a robust pathway for nurturing future hockey stars.