Indian Hockey Heroes Lead Relief Efforts in Flood-Stricken Punjab

In New Delhi, Indian hockey icons Rupinder Pal Singh and Gurwinder Singh Chandi, alongside former player Jugraj Singh, have traded their usual field for a different kind of work. They are actively participating in relief and rescue missions in flood-stricken Punjab.

The recent floods have devastated Punjab, affecting over 1,900 villages across 23 districts, claiming more than 40 lives and impacting over 350,000 people.

Exemplary drag flicker Jugraj Singh, Rupinder Pal Singh, and forward Gurwinder Singh Chandi are focusing their efforts on relief operations in the Gurdaspur district.

Jugraj highlights that the BSF, Army, police, local administration, and NDRF are collaborating tirelessly. “Our priorities were rescue operations followed by the provision of essentials like food and medicine. Now, we’re setting up medical camps to prevent disease spread, coordinated with medical teams and NGOs,” the accomplished fullback shared with PTI.

Jugraj’s illustrious career, highlighted by a Junior World Cup win in 2001 and a silver medal in the 2002 Busan Asian Games, was cut short due to a car accident in 2003.

He explained, “Our mission is to ensure there are no conflicts over rations and that aid reaches those in need promptly.”

Jugraj notes that being an athlete offers a unique advantage in handling such situations. “The ability to make quick decisions on the field is critical here. Additionally, experiencing ups and downs in sports builds mental and physical resilience, vital in such circumstances,” he remarked.

Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist and penalty corner expert Rupinder Pal expressed that this is a completely new experience for him.

He is actively involved in relief efforts in a cluster of eight to nine villages in the Dinanagar sub-division, where over 1,500 people have been evacuated since the floods began on August 26.

“The Gurdaspur district administration responded swiftly post-floods. In my assigned area, several villages like Makora, Marada, Kahna, and Abadi Chandigarh along the Ravi River, as well as near the Pakistan border, were inundated,” said Rupinder, who tallied 125 goals in 223 matches for India between 2010 and 2021.

Rupinder recounted, “For the first three days, not even tractors could navigate the area. On the initial day, the SDM, DSP, and I were stranded in a village surrounded by water and had to stay at a local’s house. The village youth’s assistance was invaluable. Whenever summoned, we’d coordinate with tractors and trolleys.”

Many were unaware of Rupinder’s hockey career until recently, sparking increased local youth involvement.

“In Dinanagar sub-division, we’ve evacuated 1,500 individuals and about 6,000 across Gurdaspur. Fortunately, there have been no fatalities, though livestock loss has occurred,” he said.

Rupinder shared a daunting moment when a family was trapped on their rooftop amid the overflowing Ravi River waters. “The water was three to four feet above the height of sugarcane plants. We braved the NDRF-supervised mission by boat, and I was genuinely afraid, but the team motivated us throughout. We reached those in need despite the current,” he recalled.

Chandi, who has played 97 matches for India, including at the 2012 London Olympics, emphasized the importance of teamwork and the heartwarming support from numerous volunteers.

“In Kotla Mugala, an elderly man bitten by a snake received prompt medical care. Elsewhere, a bride was safely transported from Kalanaur for her wedding, and a pregnant woman was evacuated just ahead of childbirth,” Chandi noted.

Discussing relief efforts’ challenges, Jugraj highlighted that the real test would begin post-flood. “We start early, assessing supply availability and prioritizing distribution needs. Sorting completed, the relief materials are dispatched. While support is pouring in from across Punjab, getting supplies to the needy remains a significant obstacle,” he stated.

“Complete crop devastation will require 1.5 to 2 years for impoverished farmers to restore cultivability. Resettling displaced people poses another massive challenge,” Jugraj added.

This article is based on a news agency feed and has not been edited by our staff.