The Surjit Hockey Academy turned into a hub of inspiration on Saturday as Olympian and Indian women’s hockey star Gurjit Kaur visited the training ground to mentor young players.
The interaction gave aspiring athletes a chance to learn first-hand from one of the country’s most celebrated defenders and drag-flick specialists.
The academy extended a warm welcome to Gurjit Kaur, with CEO Iqbal Singh Sandhu formally introducing her to the trainees before the session began. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as players, many of them dreaming of donning the national jersey, gathered to hear from their role model.
In her address, Gurjit underlined the core values required to succeed in sports—discipline, dedication, and hard work. “The path to success is not easy; it requires immense sacrifice and unwavering focus,” she said, urging the players to stay committed even in the face of challenges.
She went on to share her own story, describing her journey from a small village to the Olympic arena. Gurjit recounted the hurdles she overcame along the way, from limited resources to rigorous training schedules, highlighting that determination and resilience were key to her success.
Her narrative struck an emotional chord with the budding players, many of whom could relate to the struggles of balancing passion with adversity.
During an engaging Q&A session, young players asked her about handling pressure in high-stakes matches, perfecting drag-flick techniques, and staying physically and mentally fit. Gurjit patiently answered each question, offering practical tips while also motivating them to think beyond limitations.
Speaking after the session, Gurjit reflected on her interaction with the players. “The eyes of these young athletes are filled with the same dream I had years ago. It is our duty to guide and encourage them.
Academies like Surjit Hockey Academy are the backbone of Indian hockey, and I am confident that many future national players will emerge from here,” she said.
