Punjab Sports Director Pargat Singh plans big to put sports on right track

Olympian Pargat Singh, who is presently the Sports Director of Punjab, is keen to see the State make a mark again in the national and international sporting arena.

By Karan Kapoor

Chandigarh, Aug 22 : Olympian Pargat Singh, who is presently the Sports Director of Punjab, is keen to see the State make a mark again in the national and international sporting arena.

Singh said: "If we have a base of 600,000 budding players, then we can select 600 out of them. Out of that, I believe, we can expect six to 60 medals from them in international championships. At the national level, if Punjab's contribution could reach 25 to 30 percent, I would be happy that I have contributed something."

He said several people realise the importance of sports and the strength of hockey players is steadly increasing . While in the beginning, there were only 300 players, last year there were 1200, and at present there are 2,200 players, he added.

"We are also appointing coaches and have plans to install six-a-side astro-turfs in Punjab. This will help in developing the skills of budding players," said Singh.

"At a lesser cost, we can install astro-turfs at more places. Creating 20 such pockets, and if we are able to get one player of international quality at each location, we can generate 20 quality players," he added.

Focused on roping in more players, Singh said, "We are also thinking of going in for four-lane tracks instead of eight-lane tracks which is relevant for training purposes."

Considering the economy aspect, Sindh said: "I don't believe in building huge grounds. If the State has sufficient money, Ok, but if the economy doesn't allow it. We should also think of the economic angle."

He said there are plans to make one or two commercial-cum-sports complexes, which can generate revenue to be utilised for the development of sports.

Fine anticipation, skillful tackling, superb ball control and excellent power of recovery - all combine to make Pargat Singh a deep defender, but he sticks to his principle of remaining 'down to earth'.

"I believe achievement has no ending. But, one should keep a balance to continue stability. One should not have a superiority complex, otherwise stagnancy comes. One should not bring such feelings to mind and do his best," said Singh.

Singh led the Indian hockey squad for nine consecutive years and has participated in 313 international matches.

Prior to beccoming Director of Sports, Punjab in 2005, Singh lead India in two successive Olympic Games -- 1992 Barcelona Olympics and 1996 Atlanta Olympics. He has been associated with the Surjit Singh Memorial Hockey Tournament Society of Jalandhar, which organises an all-India Hockey Tournament, besides running a academy of hockey players of the State.

For his meritorious services Singh was awarded the Padam Shree and the Arjuna Award.

He first represented India in the 10-nation hockey tournament at Hong Kong, after which he led India in 1989 New Delhi Asia Cup, which won his team Silver medal. Singh's team also won silver in 1990 Beijing Asian Games.

ANI