As India celebrated a century of its illustrious hockey legacy in 2025, Jalandhar once again emerged as a key hub of the nation’s sporting talent.
Renowned for producing generations of hockey greats, the district not only commemorated its historic achievements but also focused on shaping the future of Indian sport.
From landmark hockey milestones and inspiring athlete comebacks to promises of new infrastructure and breakthroughs in lesser-known disciplines, 2025 proved to be a defining year for sports in Jalandhar.
The centenary celebrations of Indian hockey were incomplete without acknowledging Jalandhar’s immense contribution. Over the decades, the hockey-loving district has produced numerous Olympians who played pivotal roles in India’s golden era, which included eight Olympic gold medals, an unparalleled achievement that cemented India’s dominance on the world stage. In recent years, Indian hockey has witnessed a resurgence, and 2025 further reinforced that revival. Following the bronze medal successes at the Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games, Punjab-based players, many from Jalandhar, continued to be the backbone of the national side. Their presence highlighted the region’s enduring connection with the national game.
To commemorate the 100-year milestone, district-level hockey matches were organised across Punjab, with Jalandhar playing a central role. The Surjit Hockey Academy hosted two exhibition matches at the iconic Surjit Hockey Stadium in Burlton Park. Starting early at 8 am, the fixtures-PIS-XI vs Jalandhar-XI and Surjit-XI vs Alpha-XI-drew enthusiastic participation from young players and spectators alike. Officials associated with Hockey Punjab, while addressing the gathering, emphasised that the celebrations were not merely about nostalgia. “This is about remembering our glorious past and motivating the next generation to take hockey to greater heights,” they said, capturing the spirit of the occasion.
Jalandhar’s legacy was further strengthened when India clinched the Hockey Asia Cup 2025 title after a thrilling final. Players from the district played decisive roles in the triumph, underlining the city’s continued relevance in contemporary Indian hockey. Former captain Manpreet Singh, along with Mandeep Singh, Hardik Singh and Sukhjeet Singh, all hailing from Jalandhar, were part of the victorious squad. Among them, Sukhjeet Singh’s story stood out as one of the most inspirational narratives of the year. Having suffered partial paralysis a few years ago, his return to elite hockey was nothing short of remarkable. After making his Olympic debut last year and securing a medal for India, Sukhjeet once again rose to the occasion in the Asia Cup final, scoring a crucial opening goal against Korea. His journey resonated deeply with young athletes across Punjab, reinforcing the belief that resilience and determination can overcome even the most daunting setbacks.
Beyond elite performance, 2025 also brought renewed focus on sports infrastructure in Jalandhar. For years, the Government Sports College had a football ground but lacked a dedicated football wing. This long-standing gap is finally set to be addressed. Plans were announced for the renovation of the existing football ground and the establishment of a football wing, with work expected to begin next year. The ground, previously deemed “not up to the mark,” will be upgraded using grants received from the Central Government under the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) programme for 2013-2014. The move is expected to benefit aspiring footballers from the region and diversify Jalandhar’s sporting ecosystem beyond hockey.
One of the most heartening aspects of Jalandhar’s sports story in 2025 was the emergence and continued success of athletes from modest backgrounds. Amandeep Kaur, the daughter of a labourer and a domestic worker, who has been training in Dasuya, once again proved that determination can triumph over adversity. Her performances during the year served as a reminder that talent, when backed by hard work, can break socioeconomic barriers.
The year also saw significant strides in coaching and sports administration. Sarabjit Singh Happy, an athletics coach from Jalandhar, began introducing international-level training methods after meeting Glynis Nunn of Australia, the gold medallist in the women’s heptathlon at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. The interaction opened doors for global best practices to be implemented at the grassroots level, promising long-term benefits for young athletes. Adding to the district’s growing influence beyond playing fields, Gurinder Singh Sangha from Jalandhar was appointed as Umpire Manager for the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup, scheduled to be held in Tamil Nadu from November 28 to December 10. His appointment highlighted Jalandhar’s expanding footprint in global hockey administration.
While hockey remained the dominant narrative, 2025 also marked a historic breakthrough in equestrian sports for Nawanshahr and Punjab. Avik Bhatia was selected to represent India in show jumping at the Asian Youth Games 2025 in Bahrain. This achievement was particularly significant as it marked the first time a rider from Punjab would don national colours in the equestrian show-jumping event at the Asian Youth Games. His selection signalled a broadening of sporting horizons in the district and reflected growing access to diverse disciplines.
As 2025 draws to a close, Jalandhar’s sports story stands out as a compelling blend of heritage and hope. The district honoured its unmatched contribution to Indian hockey while simultaneously investing in infrastructure, nurturing young talent and embracing new sporting frontiers. From centenary hockey celebrations and Asia Cup glory to grassroots reforms and inspirational personal journeys, Jalandhar reaffirmed its identity as one of India’s most vibrant sporting hubs. The year did not just celebrate what the city has been, it laid the foundation for what it aspires to become.
If 2025 was about reflection and resurgence, the years ahead promise renewal, ambition and a new generation ready to carry Jalandhar’s sporting legacy forward.