Daijiworld Media Network- Ludhiana

Ludhiana, Jul 25: Once the cradle of Indian hockey, Punjab is now grappling with a concerning decline in the sport’s popularity among the youth. Once renowned for producing a steady stream of national and international players, the state is witnessing a waning passion for the game, posing a serious threat to its rich hockey legacy.

From Olympic heroes to Asian Games medalists, Punjab's contribution to Indian hockey has been unparalleled. Ludhiana, in particular, has been home to stalwarts like Charanjit Singh, Prithipal Singh, Lata Mahajan, Sukvir Grewal, Hardeep Singh Grewal and Ramandeep Singh Grewal, among many others. However, their footsteps are now met with silence on playgrounds that once echoed with cheers and clashing sticks.

Experts believe a mix of factors has led to this decline – lack of funding, infrastructure deterioration, insufficient coaching staff, lack of sponsorships, and a noticeable shift of interest among youth toward indoor sports like badminton and table tennis.

Olympian Hardeep Singh Grewal, while hailing India’s recent Olympic bronze medal as a landmark achievement, stressed the need to develop talent from the grassroots. “We need to nurture interest from the school level. Installing AstroTurf at schools, even for six-a-side hockey, can make a big difference,” he said.

The seasoned Olympian also attributed the decline in hockey's popularity to the growing charm of indoor sports, citing shorter play areas, minimal weather dependence, and relatively low maintenance as key advantages.

Harinder Singh Bhullar, senior hockey coach and former Joint Director of Sports at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), lamented the shrinking number of hockey fields in educational institutions. “Restoring these spaces can revive hockey in the region and create opportunities for new talent to emerge,” he said.

Bhullar also pointed to Ludhiana’s strong industrial base as a potential lifeline. “Corporate involvement could inject fresh funds and sponsorship into the sport,” he added.

Gurteg Singh, a coach at PAU, said the scarcity of qualified coaches was a key concern. “We need more experienced professionals who can identify and refine talent,” he said, adding that the high costs of equipment and training often push the sport out of reach for many families.

“Making the sport more accessible and affordable is critical. Talented children from humble backgrounds deserve an equal platform,” Gurteg stressed. He also highlighted the role of modern lifestyles and busy academic schedules in reducing interest among children in physically demanding sports like hockey.

Experts unanimously agree that a collective effort involving educational institutions, government bodies, corporates, and former players is essential to rejuvenate Punjab’s legacy in Indian hockey. With timely intervention and focused revival plans, the state can once again become a breeding ground for world-class hockey talent.