Friends, my hockey journey began at Lyallpur Khalsa Senior Secondary School, Jalandhar, where I would accompany our school hockey team. We often played friendly matches against the senior girls’ team of KMV College, Jalandhar, which boasted national and international players.
One unforgettable day, our goalkeeper was absent, and my teammates urged me to step in. That serendipitous moment marked my first time ever playing hockey—and as a goalkeeper!
To everyone’s surprise, I performed exceptionally well, making crucial saves and keeping a clean sheet against a strong opponent. The senior KMV players even remarked, ” ਇਹ ਗੋਲਕੀਪਰ ਕਿੱਥੋਂ ਫੜ੍ਹ ਲਿਆਏ ਹੋ, ਚੰਗਾ ਗੋਲਕੀਪਰ ਹੈ -Eh goalkeeper kitthon farh laiye ho? Changā goalkeeper hai!” (“Where did you find this goalkeeper? He’s very good!”). From that day on, I became the regular goalkeeper for my school team, and my love for hockey only grew stronger.
Today, in 2025, at 63 years young, I reflect on 48 incredible years (75% of my life!) dedicated to this beautiful sport. By God’s grace, I continue to promote hockey with the same zeal. As a player, I’ve had the honour of representing Jalandhar District, Punjab State, Chandigarh UT, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar and Indian Universities in various State, National and Inter Universities Hockey Championships.
I also had the privilege of attending the Indian Junior Hockey Team camp in 1985 as a probable for the Junior World Cup.
During my distinguished career, I served in various key administrative roles across Punjab, including:
• Naib Tehsildar (1988–1994) in Ludhiana, Dudan Sadhan (Patiala), Rajpura, Patiala, Nabha, Bhawanigarh, and Malerkotla.
• Tehsildar (1994–2004) in Abohar, Fazilka, Kharar, Pathankot, Phagwara, Sunam, and Jalandhar (PWD).
• District Revenue Officer (2004) in Ferozepur.
• Assistant Commissioner (Grievances) (2004–2006) in Kapurthala.
• Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) (2004–2014) in Moga, Phillour, Garhshankar,
Gurdaspur, Batala, Pathankot, Makodar, Jalandhar, Phagwara, and Shahkot.
• Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Phagwara | ADC, Ludhiana | Chairman, Improvement Trust, Phagwara.
• Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) (2014–2020) in Hoshiarpur and Ludhiana.
I was also Member of the Think Tank Committee, duly constituted by the Department of Revenue, Punjab, vide Endst. No. 8/9/2006-CH-2/3689-52 dated 19th March, 2006 & Endst. No. 8/9/2006-CH-2/6691 dated 14th June, 2006.
I am also Secretary of the PunjAab Cultural & Sports Society, Jalandhar who use to organise the cultural programmes and sofar singers like Mr. Satinder Sartaj (Twice), Nooran Sisters, Mamohan Waris Brothers, Ms. Naseebo Lal (Pakistan), Mr. Daljit Dosanjh, Lakhwinder Wadali, Mr. Ranjit Bawa, Mr. Parmish Verma etc had participated.
A graduate of Lyallpur Khalsa College, Jalandhar, I had dedicated 48 remarkable years (75% of my life!) to hockey. Even at 63, I am continuing to promote the sport with unwavering enthusiasm.
Beyond playing, my service to hockey extends through Surjit Hockey Society, Jalandhar, where I’ve been associated since 1984. Over the decades, I’ve served as Finance Secretary (10 years) & Honorary Secretary (30+ years) and presently working as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) from last 3 years
“Once a hockey lover, always a hockey lover!”
Hockey isn’t just a sport for me—it’s my passion, my purpose, and my life’s greatest joy. The journey continues, and I remain committed to nurturing the next generation of players.