Indian Hockey & Sansarpur Hockey

Sl.No		Sub  Factors	Agree	%					Undecided
	14.1	Training at young age	50	100 %		-		-			-		-
	14.2	Grass root level not work	50	100 %		-		-			-		-
	14.3	Availability of facilities	50	100 %		-		-			-		-
	14.4	Availability of funds	50	100 %		-		-			-		-
	14.5	Coverage in mass media	50	100 %		-		-			-		-
	14.6	Organisation of local level Tournament	50	100 %		-		-			-		-
	14.7	Incentive to hockey players	49	98 %		-		-		01			-
	14.8	Hockey as a Compulsory sport in school	47	94 %		-		-		03			-

      In this item, a list of 8 probable suggestions conducive to the improvement of hockey standards in India was provided to the respondents and they were asked to give their opinion about each of the suggestions, i.e., whether they consider it a fruitful suggestion or not by putting a tick in the column: agree, undecided, disagree.

      All the respondents  agreed with the suggestions 1-6, they were of the opinion that these suggestions of implemented will help in improvement of hockey standards in India.  However, one respondents did not agree to suggestion 14.7 and two respondents did not agree to suggestion 14.8, where as all other agreed to these suggestions too.

      Thus, in the overwhelming opinion of the respondents, all the suggestions listed in item no. 14 are worth implementing and if implemented, will help in raising the standard of hockey in India.  Some of the other suggestions for the improvement of hockey in India mentioned by the respondent are given below :

      Balbir Singh Kullar is a strong advocate of “ catch them young” policy.  He feels that coaching in hockey must start at an early age.  He narrated the following incident to highlight his point.  He said that while once in West Germany on tour in 1966, he saw a young mother goading her two years child to go to the swimming pool, when all her efforts failed to convince the child to go inside.  She simply lifted him and threw him in the pool and the child started swimming.  Balbir Singh Kullar feels that we should initiate our children into the game of hockey at as early an age as possible.

      Balbir Singh Kullar also feels that to improve the hockey standard in the country, hockey officials and hockey coaches should be drawn from the senior hockey players as for as possible.  A coach should be given the charge of senior team only when he has demonstrated his success at a lower level.

      In the words of Rajinder Singh Kullar, as  normal hockey stick is around 36”, players who are about 5’-8” to 5’-10” tall, can use this effectively to control the ball.  Thus players in this height range sholud play at forward positions and taller players are better suited for half back and full back positions, as a player in forward line requires greater control on the ball and quick reflexes, where as a player at half line requires ability to tackle and a higher reach.

      In suggesting measures improvement in Indian hockey standards, Karnail Singh Kullar highlighted the need of hard practice and physical fitness for which a good diet and disciplined life style is amust.  He further suggested that due emphasis should be given to mastering the technique.  For example the technique to give good thorough passes to the wingers must be mastered astro turf it will help India in increasing its goal scoring ability.  Technicalities like size of the hockey blade should also be given a thought.  He said that in his time, Indian players used to play with a bigger blade with which dribbling and passing is easier whereas modern players play with smaller blade astro turf modern hockey does not encourage through passes and artistry of dribbling which were treat to watch.

      In the words of Pritam Singh Kullar, it is highly desirable to encourage school children to play hockey, but it would be impossible to provide proper facilities for playing the game in all schools.  Thus beside giving general encouragement to all, specific areas should be chosen which have the potential and they should be provided with all the facilities for playing the game.

      Darshan Singh Sethi says that younger children should be shown important matches and films and clippings of great players of yesteryears astro turf one learns a great deal of observing others.

      Players of school and college teams should encouraged to watch good hockey.  Special arrangements should be made by schools and colleges to take their players to matches and games of good quality, astro turf one learns a lot by watching a good player. ( Mohinder Singh Padani )

      In the words of Parkash Singh Kullar, we should concentrate our resources on centres which are expected to throw quality players.  He feels that our coaches should be given good status and selection of a coach shold be made with great care.  Coaches should realise the needs of the individual player and should provide training according to players, age, sex, interest and ability.  He should always be source of inspiration for the player.  He should be able to cheer up a player and in no case should demoralize a player.  Parkash Singh Kullar feels that tournaments at village level should be organised with more seriousness.  He says that hockey should be made a compulsory sport in all schools, colleges, Universities and in all departments such as Services, Police, etc.as hockey is our national game and we certainly can excel in this game.

       Hockey has mainly becomes a sport for children for poor income group.  They do not have the resources to meet the required expenses whereas children from higher income group are not taking to hockey as they are interested in other games like cricket and tennis.  We should pick the children the young age as in this age, a player is more motivated, has quick reflexes and is more obedient and flexible. ( Parkash Singh Kullar )

      Jarnail Singh Kullar feels that, Indian  Hockey  Federation, president and members should be persons who are wnowledgeable about the game, having interest of the game and players chose to their hearts.  It would be better if they are past internationals or players of their repute.

      Jarnail Singh Kullar says that coaches should be made available at all levels of the game starting from school level.  Salaries and other perks for the coaches should be reasonably good and at part.with those of national players.  Coaches should be given special incentives to coach at junior level, as most of the coaches to-day prefer to coach senior teams but are hesitant to coach at jonior level.

      Jarnail Singh Kullar feels that parents of hockey playing children should take special interest in the game of their children. They should have a discussion with their children about each of their outings to the field.  This will give the children a feeling that they are engaged in an important activity and their parents are keen to see them successful in the game.  This will go a long way in inculcating in children interest for the game as parental approciation is key to children motivation.

      As hockey is still a game of amateures as money in the game is not good enough to attract professional players.  Amateures are not able to devote the required time to the game as they have to earn their livelyhood from some other sources Special talks by outstanding qualified players of yesteryears should be organised for budding and active players ( Jarnail Singh Kullar )

      Lal Singh Sohal suggests that training camps for the selected probables for various international tournaments should be organised at places where quality hockey teams are available to practice with.  He says, for example in Jalandhar, there are about a dozen teams of national standards and if a camp is organised at places where such a crucial facility is lacking.  Thus, Indian  Hockey  Federation should be more careful in selecting venues for camps.

      Pritpal Singh Aassi suugests that

( i ) All national level tournaments and competitions should be played on astroturf, for which more astroturf fields should be provided.

( ii ) We should search for talent in villages as they produce more players.

( iii ) We should stick to our traditional game as we can not beat other teams especially from Europe in physical fitness ans stamina.  However, they can be beaten by our skillful hockey as has often been demonstrated by Pakistan.

( iv ) More village level tournaments and tournaments for younfer children should be organised and incentives should be given to younger children.

      Mohinder Singh Padani suggests that

( i ) Hockey is not popular in our schools and colleges despite it being the national game.  We find cricket and other sports grounds full in schools and colleges where as hockey grounds are generally vacant.  Perhaps hockey has lost its appeal for our youngsters and steps have to be taken by all concerned to attract our youngsters to the game.

( ii ) The discipline and unity among the team members are must for the success of a team.  Captain of team should possess ability to command and get best out of every player.  This is possible only when the captain possess leader ship qualities and there is no friction between him and each of the Punjab Police.  There should only be one and only one captain.  In 1968 Mexico Olympics, India nominated Prithipal and Gurbux Singh as joint Captain, which led to groupisim in the team and as a result, it was te first time, India fail to  reach the final although the team had players of high quality.

( iii ) India needs coaches of good quality which at present they are not able to get.  A coach must himself be a player of highest ability and and proven merit otherwise he will neither be able to properly guidethe players nor command their respect.  A Coach once chosen should be given a longer stint, atleast of four years, to deliver the goods.  Policy of changing the coach for every tournament is not desirable, as each coach has his own method of coaching and players get confused.  Moreover, no significant change can be brought about in few days.  Therefore, a coach should be given the responsibility of a team, say from Olympic to other Olympic.

( iv ) Although Govt. Is now opening many hockey academies etc. but these academies should be established at those places which traditionally win our hockey centres like Sansarpur, Khusropur, Mithapur etc. 

( v ) We should adopt “catch them young policy” buit coaching at each level should be given according to the players age. For very young children only general performance coaching should be provided.  They should be motivated to play and enjoy the game in thier own way.  They should be allowed to learn on thier own.  Whereas systematic coaching of “medium performance” should be provided to the players of middle school level and “top performance” coaching should begin at high school or Sr. Sec. School level only.

( vi ) Over doze of hockey training through out the year is not desirable as round the year hockey makes a player lose interest in the game.  A hockey player should be provided with other rectreational activities from time to time by giving him a brake from the  hockey, Sohal that his interest in the game is sustained.

( vii ) Hockey should be introduced in rural areas as majority of our population still live in these areas.  Children from rural areas should  be encouraged to play the game by giving them incentives by providing them the necessary facilities and by organising tournaments for them.

( viii ) Hockey is now mainly being played by children from lower middle classes only.  Upper middle class and upper class parents are not encouraging their children to play hockey.  Most of the children from such families are opting for other games like cricket, tennis, golf etc.  Thus, there is need to make hockey attractive for children from upper class at one hand and providing more facillities and job securities for hockey players on the other hand, Sohal that children who are not economically well off, could sustain the game at higher level.

 

Table 4.15

 

Sl.No		Sub  Factors	Agree	%	Disagree		%	Undecided			%
	15.1	Physical education is not compulsory	48	96 %		-	-		02			4%
	15.2	Academic Qualification are  surer for security jobs	49	98 %		01	2 %			-			-
	15.3	Sports does not project a ‘perfect future’	48	96 %		02	4 %			-			-
	15.4	Playing sports is a short span career	50	100 %		-	-			-			-
	15.5	No Career guidance is  available on sports	50	100 %		-	-			-			-
	15.6	Sports ranks at a lower  priority due to economic and social structure	50	100 %		-	-			-			-

      In this item 7 reasons for sports not becoming a way of life in India were listed and respondents were asked to show their agreement or otherwise with each of the reason by putting a tick in the columns: Agree, Undecided and Disagree.

      All the respondents agreed with the reasons 15.4 and 15.5 and 15.6, whereas only one disagreed with the reason 15.2, 2 disagreed with the reason 15.3 and 2 were undecided about 15.1 being a reason for unpopularity of sports in India.  All others agreed with these reasons too.  Thus, we find that overwhelming majority of respondents agree with all the reasons listed in the item and feel that these are the real causes responsible for not making the sports a way of life in India

      Some of the other reasons for the same given by the respondents are:

      Balbir Singh Kullar feels that there is need to popularise the sports among the masses.  He cited the example of Germany where swimming and gymnastics are compulsory for all school going children.  He further remarked that “ sports” also have how become a full time job.  If somebody wishes to succeed in a sport at higher levels,he has to take the sport as a full time occupation quite early in one’s age, where as for most of our youngster, sports is still a hobby and a part time recreation for which they got increasingly less time due to the pressure of studies which is incresing day by day even at primary school level.

      In the words of Mohinder Singh Padani, generally school and college hockey players neglect their studies and thereby undermine their careers.  School and college authorities should design special prorammes to take care of the studies of their players, Sohal that they are able to maintain the balance between studies and sport.

      Darshan Singh Sethi mentions that special efforts should be made to popularise the sports among the villagers of India.  Sansarpur may be an exception but by and large sports are unknown to the most Indian villages whereas the talent lies in villages and not Sohal much in big cities.

      Pritpal Singh Aassi feels that, a good player gets respect and love of the people.  His circle of friends gets enlarged as he plays with persons for different regions, travels to different places, with in and out side the country, He is recognised by public at all places.  People feel obliged in helping him.  Thus it becomes easier for him to get his work done in any office etc., as people go even out of their way to please him.  A good player  is able to find a good job for himself.  But generally a sportsperson is revered by general public in his playing days only.  Once his playing days are over, he is generally forgetten by the people.  Old horse, old person,retired person and retired player are generally a forgetten lot in our country.

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Role of Government          Positive          Neutral           Negative

         no.                                10                    20                  20

         %age                             20                    40                  40

      This item was designed to illicit the opinion of respondents about the role of Indian Government in the development of the Indian hockey.  Only 20% of the respondents were of the opinion that government is contributing positively to the development of Indian hockey.  Rest of the respondents were either of the opinion that government is neither contributing positively nor negatively ( 40% ) or they were highly critical of the government’s role and felt that government is contributing negatively to the development of the game (40% ).

      Some of the comments which were made by respondents to illustrate their points of views are given below:

      According to Mohinder Singh Padani Sports authority of India has introduced many schemes for upliftment of the game but they are yet to give results.  Perhaps in due course of time some positive outcome will result from these schemes.

      Jaswinder Singh Kullar is full of praise for the steps Indian Government has taken in connection with retired outstanding hockey players who have won medals for country in Olympics, World Cup and Asian games, are getting Rs2000 monthly pension and facility to travel free of cost in Indian Railway in India in I or AC class.  Jaswinder Singh Kullar also acknowledged other incentives, India government is giving to Indian hockey players.

      In the words of Jarnail Singh Kullar, Government is mostly giving lip service to the game.  No efforts on the part of government are being undertaken to promote the game at school level.  Sports Authority of India is channelising its resources into few chosen areas merely to please their masters.  Certainly this policy of Sports Authority of India is not going to result in any positive development of the game.

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Role of Indian Hockey     Negative     Not contributory     Only Managing     Positive

          No.                               11                    20                            20                 19

          % age                           22                     40                            40                 38

      This item was designed to know the opinion of the respondents  about the role of Indian  Hockey  Federation, which is supposedly the governing body of Indian hockey  and is responsible for development of the game in the country.

      Only 38% of the respondents feel that Indian  Hockey  Federation  contribution to Indian hockey  is positive, where as almost equal number of respondents feel ( 40% ) that the Indian  Hockey  Federation is not making any contribution to Indian hockey, it is only a managing body ( 40% ) and rest 11% are highly critical of the role of Indian  Hockey  Federation and feel that Indian  Hockey  Federation’s contribution is negative to development of Indian hockey.  Thus, we find that majority of respondents ( 62% ) are not satisfied with the performance of Indian  Hockey  Federation.

      Some of the comments, which were made by respondents both in its favour and in against it are given below:

According to Pritam Singh Kullar, Indian  Hockey  Federation is not doing justice to the job entrusted to it.  Indian  Hockey  Federation is being controlled by the people who have little knowledge of the game and have become its members for reasons other than hockey.  There is hardly any resulted oriented action programme worth the name, which has been put forward by the Indian  Hockey  Federation.

      Pritpal Singh Aassi is satisfied with the role of Indian  Hockey  Federation and feels that KPS Gill after becoming Indian  Hockey  Federation president has taken many positive steps, such as: ( i ) TA/DA for players and officials has been developed ( ii ) Players have been given more facilities ( iii ) Arrangement for good diet has been made for the players ( iv ) Promotion avenues for the players in their respective departments have been increased.  Such measures will certainly helh in improving Indian hockey standard, feels Pritpal Singh Aassi.

      In the words of Jarnail Singh Kullar, Indian  Hockey  Federation, Chief, KPS Gill is taking interest in the well being of the game and also players.  He is investing money into the game and taking initiatives.  His efforts will surely result in upliftment of the standards of the game.  Though it may take sometime to justify hia efforts.

      Jaswinder Singh Kullar feels that Indian  Hockey  Federation is playing its role successfully, especially its present president, KPS Gill is making great efforts for Indian hockey.  He has made provisions for good diet, quality kits and proper lodging and boarding facilities for players and officials.

 

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Sl.No.		Sub  Factors	Agree	%	Disagree	%	Undecided	%
	8.1	Modern hockey is better than traditional hockey	04	8 %	46	92 %	-	-
	8.2	Astro - turf game is better than grass - court game	12	24 %	37	74 %	01	2 %

       Only four of the respondents ( i.e. 8% ) consider modern hockey better in comparison to traditional hockey and only 12 ( i.e. 24% ) feel that Astro-turf is more suitable for us as compared to grass court.  Thus, overwhelming majority of respondents favour Indian style of hockey and grass as the suitable playing surface.

      Udham Singh Kullar is against the modern concept of total hockey and feels that traditional 5-3-2-1 formation, the best suited formation for Indian hockey.  Udham Singh Kullar is a great admirer of traditional hockey and feels that the recent changes in rules of hockey has robbed the modern hockey of much of its charm.  He feels that modern hockey is not Sohal esthetically pleasing.  In traditional hockey days of his time, “ bully off” and penalty bully etc. Were real treat to watch and called for artistic flair of the game says Udham Singh Kullar.  Where as modern hockey is simply a hit and run business which laids great emphasis on physical fitness but beauty of the game is sacrificed in the name of speed.

      Udham Singh Kullar feels that Astro-turf is neither a fordable nor suitable for players from Indian Sub Continent.  He says that to play on Astro-turf one needs a physical fitness, stamina and speed at a level where we cannot compete with European players.  He feels that grassy grounds  are more suitable for Indian players and clay ground ( Chat ) is the most suitable for us it requires least money to build a ground  and maintain it and provide fast hockey.  Udham Singh Kullar also feels that if Astro-turf were available during his playing days, India would have scored more goals as it is easy to play on Astro-turf because of its smoothness and he himself and his contemporary Indian players were fit and fast enough to play on this surface.

      While comparing the modern hockey with traditional hockey, Balbir Singh Kullar  feels that modern hockey is more attractive to watch as more goals are scored, a less of whistling takes place, making the game most spectator orientated.  In relation to hockey playing hockey surfaces, Balbir Singh Kullar  feels that though Astro-turf provides a faster of hockey is a true surface conducive to power hockey and a suitable surface to play even during rainy season but the surface has reduced the life span of players as they tried to burn out early and also because of the fact that Astro-turf is more injury prone and content playing in this surface may lead to Asthmatic problems.  Where as grass hockey presents completely contrasting hockey where the game though slower calts for crafty skills and techniques and is esthetically more pleasing and a green field is good for eyes and is free from health hazards.

Darshan Singh Kullar feels that the traditional hockey was superior to modern hockey as it involved the artistry, skills and class of highest order, which could be appreciated by the knowledgeable viewers of these days.  Whereas the modern hockey is only a bit and run business and is not much of a treat to watch.

      About Astro-turf also Darshan Singh Kullar has similar views.  He feels that Astro-turf and other such artificial surfaces are more suited to the players of European countries who are physically fitter. 

      Parkash Singh Kullar feels that Chat ground is fast better  than grassy ground.  The movements on Chat ground can sometimes be Sohal fast that spectators are bewildered and they get real joy out of the game.

      In the words of Mohinder Singh Padani, modern hockey depends on long straight passes and thus a lot of time is wasted.  Where as traditional hockey depends on game skills and short through passes, which were more eye catching.

      Mohinder Singh Padani feels that hockey on grass is better than Astro- turf.  Hockey as the game becomes more beautiful and entertaining for the spectators when played on grass.  Astro-turf is not suitable for a country like India as it is very costly and due to climatic conditions and physical fitness of an average Indian player, it is harmful for the players also.

      Modern hockey is breft of artistry and skills and is not Sohal pleasing to watch.  Where as traditional hockey was more graceful and entertaining to the spectators.  Astro-turf is very expensive, not suitable for health of players.  Climatic conditions of India are not suitable for its use as due to hot weather, it requires constant watering which leads to Asthmatic problems for players.  As playing on Astro-turf takes a heavy toll of one’s body, the life of a player reduces.  On the other hand grass ground is conducive to players health especially for their eyes.  The hockey played on grass is esthetically more pleasing to watch as a player on grass can show his skills and artistry of the game.  The playing life of a player is more on grass as compared to that at Astro- turf and it is much cheaper too.  Chat ground is cheep and best.  Although playing on Chat ground puts some strain on a player ankles, the game on Chat ground is as fast as game on Astro-turf provided it is properly maintained. ( Jarnail Singh Kullar )

      Jaswinder Singh Kullar  prefers traditional hockey over modern hockey and says that in traditional hockey ball used to be in play for longer duration and spectators, players and even refrees used to have greater enjoyment.  He feels that Astro-turf is better than grass court but warns that play on Astro-turf successful one needs to have practice of playing on the surface.  If one practices at grass ground and plays tournaments and matches on Astro-turf, he can not do well.  Therefore, Sansarpur should also get a Astro-turf as now most of international tournaments are played on this surface.

      Lal Singh Sohal feels that traditional hockey was superior to modern hockey as traditional players possessed greater control over the ball and their mastery over the game was of high calibre, their moves were never used to go a bagging.  They were team players and very skillful and the game was more interesting.  Where as modern hockey is a hit and run affair and has no such spectator interest.

      Though he does not prefer Astro-turf as he feels that it is not suitable for Indian players.  According to him game on Astro-turf makes greater demands on physical fitness of the player on one hand and is a costly affair on the other hand.  However, the game on Astro-turf is fast and it is easier to give accurate passes as the surface is smooth.

      Pritpal Singh Aassi prefers traditional hockey was esthetically more pleasing as return passes, winger’s crosses, ino-trio and into-in etc. Were a real joy to watch. All these techniques are missing from the modern hockey which has become a mere hit and run affair.

      Prefers grass court over Astro-turf as he feels that Astro-turf hockey does not calls for many skills and even a novice can play on this surface.  Moreover, in playing on Astro-turf, there is greater risk of injury to a player especially ankles and knee of a player become more susceptible.  Astro-turf also reduces the playing age of a player as one can play on this surface upto a maximum of 30 years, where as grass hockey is the real test of skills of a player and a good player can easily be singled out from mediocors while playing on grass.  Playing age of a player also increases on this surface. 

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Sl.No		Sub  Factors	Agree	%	Disagree	%	Undecided	%
	6.1	Lack of facilities	11	22 %	39	78 %	-	-
	6.2	Lack of exposure to game	50	100 %	-	-	-	-
	6.3	Immigration	50	100 %	-	-	-	-
	6.4	Change of attitude of  Sansarpuri’s towards sports	49	98 %	01	2 %	-	-
	6.5	Not much encouragement’s from the parents	48	96 %	02	4 %	-	-
	6.6	Any other	-	-	-	-	-	-

       Among the factors responsible for decline of Sansarpur hockey, 6.2 lack of exposure to game and 6.3 immigration of hockey players from Sansarpur were agreed up only by all the respondents where as change of attitude of Sansarpuri’s towards sports particularly hockey not getting the encouragement from parents were also agreed up on as factors responsible for decline of Sansarpur hockey by all but one and two respondents ( 98%, 96% ) respectively.  However, only 11 of the respondents ( i.e. 22% ) consider lack of facilities as a factor contributing to decline of Sansarpur hockey.

      It is significant that no factor other than those listed was mentioned by any of the respondents.  It shows that 6.1-6.5 could be the only reasons for decline of Sansarpur hockey.  However, many respondents made special remarks to elaborate upon one or more of the above mentioned ( 6.1-6.5 ) reasons.  Some of these comments are given below:

      In the opinion of Udham Singh Kullar main causes of decline of hockey in Sansarpur are:

      Disruption of the tournament system which prevailed in his younger days and provided opportunities to budding players to show their skills.  Now a days, very few such tournaments are organised and their is need to provide more playing opportunities to village youngsters feels Udham Singh Kullar.

      Udham Singh Kullar also feels that in his younger days as there was a constant flow of players from Sansarpur to national team and these senior players used to maintain a constant touch with the village by regularly visiting the village, playing in village games, providing training and motivation to youngsters. Now a days, the flow has ebbed on one hand and on the other hand a few players who do succeed a national/international level, maintain little interest in Sansarpur hockey there by depriving the younger generation of the great hockey traditions of the village

      Darshan Singh Kullar feels that though there are general causes for decline of Sansarpur hockey, which are also interrdated, the chief causes are:

( a ) Lack of facilities, especially inavailability of the ground for a very long period.  Darshan Singh Kullar says, when cantonment took over the old ground of the village in mideighties, there was no place for village folk to play hockey in the village.  It was only after a lapse of almost 10 years, that army provided an alternate ground to village for hockey though the old ground  of which Darshan Singh Kullar had fond memories is still not available for playing hockey.  These 10 years, during which Sansarpuris have no proper place to practice hockey, in view of Darshan Singh Kullar, were instrumental in setting a decline in Sansarpuri’s hockey standard.

( b ) Changing scenario of Indian sport also had its impact on Sansarpur,s hockey according to Darshan Singh Kullar.  He feels that somehow hockey lost the position of being the prime sport of the country.  Other sports namely cricket, tennis etc. Received more recognition at national level, Sohal the attitude of Sansarpur parents also changed, and the encouragement his generation received from their parents, new generation surely missed that.  Village people became materialistic over the years and started migrating in search of greener pastures.  Even those who earned their livelihood and prestige on the basis of hockey, after retiring from hockey preferred to settle abroad and the new could not get the benefit of their guidance.

      Among the reasons for decline of hockey in Sansarpur Balbir Singh Kullar  feels that lack of locally available facilities, migration of people from Sansarpur for greener pastures abroad and decline in prestige of the game of hockey at national level are the chief causes responsible for decline of hockey in Sansarpur.  To elaborate the above points, he mentioned that for long Sansarpuris were not having a hockey ground of their own to practice.  It is only recently that they have been provided by two hockey grounds by the army.  He said the great hockey players of yesteryears like Gurdev Singh Kullar, Darshan Singh Kullar and Gurjit Singh Kullar etc., who could have been the role model for youngsters have settled abroad and youngsters among the present generation are also preferring to take any job out side in comparison to playing serious hockey.  As they feel that a career in hockey does not offer much by way of a good living.  They find no glamour in hockey and even if they are sport minded they opt cricket instead.  Here, he feels that govt. Policies and media’s roll has also been questionable.  Govt. has not provided enough incentives for hockey players and media has given more exposure other games sidelining the national game of hockey.

      Darshan Singh Sethi emphasised that lack of commitment among modern players as the most important reason.  He stated that during his youth, they not only cared for their hockey but they themselves used to take initiatives in related matters.  They were themselves looking after the field, they were organising matches among different teams from and outside the village. They used to go on foot or on bicycles to other villages to fix matches with the teams there and inform the players.  They were interested in the game and had no selfish motives.  They were open to suggestions and had great regards for elders opinions on hockey matters.  Where as youngsters now simply do not listen to their seniors.

      In the words of Jarnail Singh Kullar, many senior players migrated to foreign countries, depriving Sansarpur youngsters of their guidance.  This was a major factor in the decline of hockey standards in Sansarpur as senior players used to act as a link between an active players and budding youngsters who were to replace active players.  Some of the great names who migrated to foreign countries were: Darshan Singh Kullar,  Gurdev Singh Kullar, Gurjit Singh Kullar all migrated to England and Mohinderpal Singh Aassi, Pritpal Singh Kullar and Avtar Singh migrated to Canada.

      Sansarpur was not a very prosperous village and to Sansarpuri’s were used to hard physical labour by working in fields and doing other manual work at their homes.  This physical labour not only was instrumental in keeping them physically fit and strong, but was also effective in inculcating in their correct work ethics and positive mental attitude.  All this used to go moulding them into great hockey players.  But now the lifestyle has changed children now a days do not have to go through the same physical drill and thus are not as physical strong as used to be.  Moreover economic prosperity enables them to lead a luxurious life and they are no more as hardworking.  As hockey is a demanding game, they are unable to put in  enough hardwork and the quality of their hockey suffers.

      Sansarpur hockey traditions could not be kept alive because of large scale migration of original Sansarpur habitants to other parts of the country.  Many great hockey playing families of Sansarpur are now settled in various other parts of the country after selling their ancestral homes.  The new settlers who occupied their homes now are those who have come from other places and have no knowledge of Sansarpur hockey tradition.  As a result of this demographic change of population in Sansarpur, the village atmosphere, which used to be conducive to hockey playing, has changed and hockey no more enjoys the same prestige in the village.  Evenku families who used to dominate Sansarpur hockey, have started migrating from the village.

      Hockey used to be helpful for Sansarpuri’s in getting employment in army and other such organisations.  At that time, Sansarpuri’s were looking for any job jobs even at lower levels in these organisations were acceptable to them.  Now the economic prosperity and education among village folks have changed this attitude.  They are looking for good positions only in these organisations.  As higher positions are rare and  only hockey playing ability does not fetch one such a position, hockey has lost some of its charm as a license to get the job for Sansarpuri’s.

Karnail Singh Kullar considers lack of exposure to the game as most among Sansarpuri’s.  He feels that he learnt his hockey by playing in village tournaments, while todays youngsters have no such opportunity to have their skills.

      Rajinder Singh Kullar says that we used to put our hearts in the game.  Even daily practice was taken very seriously.  Everyday, after the complete practice session, Udham Singh Kullar used to ask us to take 3-4 rounds of the field, running with full speed and all of us always obeyed his orders.  Modern players play for the perks like getting Colour or job, where we used to play for the love of the game.

      In those days, we used to play bare foot and with used hockey sticks as we had little resources at our disposal.  When ever we heared that a game of hockey was being organised in the village, we used to make all efforts in making the field match fit and were not hesitant to do any job in this connection.  After working hard throughout the day, even if we were not selected to play the game, we never used to mind that, as for us the top priority was to make the game a success.  Now, although the younger generation has all the facilities available to them, they do not possess the will power and zeal of players  like Udham Singh Kullar and Darshan Singh Kullar.

      Modern senior players do not encourage their juniors as our seniors used to encourage us.  Even player like Udham Singh Kullar used to play with their juniors and gave them encouragement and guidance.  Now, senior players consider it below their dignity to play with juniors.  Now juniors do not have anybody to look upto.  They rarely get opportunity to watch a good game leave alone practicing with great players.

      Kullar family, who were the back bone of Sansarpur hockey in its hey days, have largely migrated from the village.  This has further led to the decline of Sansarpur hockey.

      He feels that every Sansarpuri should have a firm determination to play hockey  for the country.  This should be other motto.  If we do Sohal, surely Sansarpur would produce many more players for Indian hockey team.

      In 1990, Sansarpuris lost their traditional hockey ground, the then incharge of the ground built a canal there for army training.  This was a facility, which Sansarpuri’s were availing since the times of Britishers.  The loss of ground deprived Sansarpuris of a great facilities and this is a major factor in decline of Sansarpur hockey.  Later in 1994, Lt. Gen. H.B.Kalha provided Sansarpuri with two grounds, a little away from the traditional ground.  Now- a- days, Sansarpuri’s practice on these new grounds.  But for 4 years, they were without a place where they could practice.

      In the words of Pritam Singh Kullar, in earlier days good hockey players were given jobs in army, which were considered coveted in those days.  Now army jobs have lost that prestige and due to the risk involved in the job and hard service conditions, these jobs are not in much demand, on one hand and on other hand lesser hockey players are now being absorbed by army.  Thus, there is a dearth of lucrative jobs for hockey players.  Children from well-to-do families are therefore not being attracted by hockey and children from middle or lower middle classes are not able to sustain themselves in the game as playing hockey demands a good diet and hockey equipment has also become very costly.

      No job  guarantee and risk of injuries and uncertain future are the main factors which discourage youngsters to adopt the game.

      Some comments regarding the decline of Sansarpur hockey are given below:

( a ) Quality of talent available in the village has gone down.

( b ) Interest in the game is also on the vain.

( c ) Sons of hockey players, who could have got the benefit of advice from parents started   opting for other games.  My own son play tennis.

( d ) Equipment has become costly.

      In the words of Parkash Singh Kullar, not having a ground of our own for a considerable period of time.  He feels that guidance for senior players was not available to younger generation for about 10-15 years.

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