Amritsar, August 5 (K.L. Jit Walia):Renowned sports promoter Gurinder Singh Mattu met Olympian Brigadier Harcharan Singh, a native of Village Marar, Gurdaspur district, Punjab, who represented India during the golden era of Indian hockey when the nation dominated the world stage.
Born on January 15, 1950, Harcharan Singh is the son of Sardar Darshan Singh, a well-known Kabaddi player in the region. After securing first division with distinction in Class 10 from Khalsa High School, Sheikhupura, he joined Sports College, Jalandhar. His exceptional performance earned him a call-up to the Indian national camp in 1968.
From 1969 to 1978, he represented India in numerous international tournaments, including three Hockey World Cups, two Olympic Games, and two Asian Games, winning gold, silver, and bronze medals for the country. He was honoured with the prestigious Arjuna Award (1977–78) by former President Neelam Sanjiva Reddy. In recognition of his outstanding service in the Indian Army, he was also awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal by the Government of India in 1981.
Interview Highlights
Q: When did you start playing hockey and who were your coaches?
Harcharan Singh:
“I started playing hockey in the seventh grade. My first coach was Sardar Dalip Singh. At Sports College, my coach was Manmohan Singh. Later, while representing Punjab, the Indian Army, and India, I was coached by legendary names such as Gurcharan Singh Bodhi, Udham Singh, Balbir Singh, R.S. Gentle, and K.D. Singh Babu.”
Q: How did you make it to the Indian team?
Answer:
“In 1968, while playing for my college, I played against East Germany. In 1969, after representing Punjab in the National Championship, I was selected for the Indian team.”
Q: How did it feel to play in the Olympics?
Answer:
“I have played in several World Cups and Asian Games, but playing in the Olympics is a completely different experience. I experienced this in the 1972 Munich Olympics and the 1976 Montreal Olympics. The world’s best athletes gather there, making it a truly unique event.”
Q: Which countries did you visit while representing India?
Answer:
“I represented India nearly twenty times internationally. I have visited almost every country where hockey is played, including multiple visits to Paris, Berlin, and Singapore.”
Q: Can you share a memorable incident from your career?
Answer:
“I once suffered a severe ankle sprain before a tournament in Amsterdam and was initially declared unfit. My name was left out of the playing eleven, but I fought for my place and was eventually included. Despite the injury, I performed exceptionally well throughout the tournament.”
Q: How was your experience playing for Punjab and later for the Army?
Answer:
“I represented Punjab from 1969 to 1972, and the team won the National Championship every year. From 1973 to 1981, I played for the Indian Army and captained the team several times. Playing for Punjab was enjoyable, but representing the Army gave me even greater satisfaction.”
Q: Is it easier to be a player or a coach/manager?
Answer:
“I believe being a player is easier. Coaching and managing a team are far more challenging responsibilities.”
Q: Tell us about National Sports Day.
Answer:
“National Sports Day is celebrated on the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. On this day, the Government of India honours outstanding sportspersons with national awards. This year, Sarhad-e-Punjab Sports Club (Regd.), Amritsar, will organize its 25th Silver Jubilee Award Ceremony, where I will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Q: What message would you like to give to young athletes?
Answer:
“Young players should work hard with dedication and discipline. Respect your coaches and senior players. Always play for your team and for the honour of your country’s jersey. Stay away from mobile addiction, drugs, and other bad habits.”
Photo Caption:
Sports promoter Gurinder Singh Mattu interacting with Olympian Brigadier Harcharan Singh (Arjuna Awardee).
KL JIT WALIA
