Ex-India Hockey Ace Rupinder Leads Heroic Rescue in Punjab Flood Crisis

The floods in Punjab have caused widespread devastation, impacting over 350,000 people and resulting in at least 30 fatalities. Large expanses of farmland in districts like Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, and Ferozepur have been inundated. Since last week, authorities have been diligently working to rescue individuals as rivers and reservoirs in the state approach dangerous levels.

Among the dedicated rescuers is Rupinder Pal Singh, once a star player for the Indian hockey team, known for his goal-scoring prowess that earned his team numerous trophies and medals.

Rupinder remarked, “The continuous rain has finally eased, and conditions have improved. The floods began on August 26, causing immense damage to properties and unimaginable destruction to crops. Thankfully, there have been no fatalities in our sub-division,” said Rupinder, who retired from hockey after contributing to India’s bronze medal win at the Tokyo Olympics four years ago, in an interview with HT.

“In certain areas, water levels reached 12-15 feet, but have now reduced to around four feet. However, some areas remain critically flooded. Assisting in these efforts is my duty.”

As an Assistant Commissioner (Under Training) with Punjab PCS, Rupinder has tirelessly worked for the last 10 days, evacuating individuals from affected regions to relief camps, providing food, medical assistance, and other necessities.

The 34-year-old is stationed in Dinanagar, a sub-division of Gurdaspur district, bordered by the Ravi and Beas rivers. Responsible for one of five village clusters in Dinanagar, Rupinder manages approximately 8-10 villages per cluster, including Makora Pattan, Jhabkra, Jago Chak Tanda, Jainpur, Ogra, Abadi Chandigarh, and Marara.

Rupinder stated, “Working closely with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Border Security Force (BSF), and Indian Army, we have rescued 1,500 individuals, including pregnant women and infants, utilizing boats and helicopters.” Rupinder, originally from Faridkot, explained.

“The Indian Army and the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann have facilitated our rescue missions with the deployment of helicopters. Our team, including DC Dalwinderjit Singh, ADC Harjinder Singh, and SDM Jaspinder Singh, have been integral to these operations.”

Following employment with the Indian Overseas Bank, Rupinder, Simranjeet Singh, Hardik Singh, and Gurjant Singh were offered positions in the Punjab civil services by CM Mann after their return from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where India secured a bronze. Simranjeet, Hardik, and Rupinder all contributed goals in the decisive bronze-winning match against Germany, concluded at 5-4.

On social media, Gurdaspur’s Deputy Commissioner Dalwinderjit Singh remarked, “PCS Officer Mr. Rupinder Pal Singh, a former Indian hockey player and Olympic bronze medalist, now serves as Assistant Commissioner in Gurdaspur.”

“Mr. Rupinder Pal Singh is performing exemplary work in the flood-affected areas, efficiently evacuating people trapped by floods and continuously delivering relief materials to those in need.”