Introduction to Sansarpur, the Mecca of Hockey Nestled near Jalandhar in Punjab, Sansarpur is a small village with a monumental legacy, earning the title Mecca of Hockey. With just 5,000 residents, this hamlet has produced 14 Olympians, contributing to 8 Olympic gold medals, 1 silver, 6 bronze, and 12 Asian Games medals for India, Kenya, and Canada. In Radio Haanji 1674 AM’s podcast, "Mecca of Hockey, Village Sansarpur," hosted by Amrinder Gidda, listeners dive into the rich history and inspiring details of this iconic Punjab hockey village. Tune in on Radio Haanji 1674 AM, the Radio Haanji app, or radiohaanji.com to experience this celebration of Indian hockey heritage. The Storied Hockey Legacy of Sansarpur Sansarpur’s hockey journey began in the 1920s when Subedar Major Thakur Singh Kular brought the sport to the village after touring New Zealand with the Indian team under Major Dhyan Chand, who coined the term "Mecca of Hockey" for Sansarpur. Inspired by British soldiers playing near the Jalandhar Cantonment, villagers crafted makeshift sticks from mulberry branches and balls from cotton threads, igniting a passion that produced over 306 international and national-level players, predominantly from the Kular family. Milestones of the Mecca of Hockey 14 Olympians: All from a single street, bearing the surname Kular, Sansarpur sent 9 Olympians to India, 4 to Kenya, and 1 to Canada. 1968 Mexico Olympics: A historic moment when 7 Sansarpur players—5 for India, 2 for Kenya—competed, with India securing a bronze medal. 1964 Tokyo Olympics: Four Sansarpur players helped India win a gold medal. 1966 Asian Games: 11 players from Sansarpur contributed to India’s gold in Bangkok. Legendary Figures: Icons like Udham Singh Kular (4 Olympics, 4 medals), Ajit Pal Singh Kular (1975 World Cup captain), and Colonel Gurmit Singh Kular (1932 Olympian) shaped Indian hockey. Five players earned the Arjuna Award, and two, Ajit Pal and Hardial Singh Kular, received the Padma Shri. Why Sansarpur Excels Sansarpur’s success, despite limited resources, stems from its vibrant community spirit and proximity to the Jalandhar Cantonment, where the British Army recruited local talent. Hockey became a cultural cornerstone, with every household nurturing young players dreaming of Olympic glory. Challenges Facing the Mecca of Hockey The village’s golden era has waned, with no Olympians since Bindi Kular represented Canada in 2000. Key challenges include: Lack of Modern Facilities: The absence of astro-turf fields limits training opportunities. Drug Crisis: Punjab’s drug issue has diverted youth from sports. Shifting Priorities: Younger generations lean toward cricket or kabaddi for better financial prospects. Yet, the spirit of the Mecca of Hockey endures. Coaches like Lakhbir Singh and the Sansarpur Sports Club are dedicated to training new talent, aiming to restore the village’s prominence. Radio Haanji’s Podcast: Mecca of Hockey, Village Sansarpur Hosted by Amrinder Gidda, Radio Haanji 1674 AM’s podcast, "Mecca of Hockey, Village Sansarpur," brings the village’s extraordinary story to the global Punjabi diaspora. This podcast, aired on Australia’s number one Punjabi radio station, delves into: Rich History: Discover the origins of Sansarpur’s hockey legacy, from the 1920s to its Olympic triumphs. Iconic Moments: Relive milestones like the 1968 Mexico Olympics and the 1975 World Cup victory under Ajit Pal Singh. Cultural Significance: Celebrate Punjab’s contribution to Indian hockey and its global impact. Future Prospects: Learn about efforts to revive hockey in Sansarpur, the Mecca of Hockey. Listen Now: Experience this captivating podcast on Radio Haanji 1674 AM, the Radio Haanji app, or radiohaanji.com. The audio is attached to this post, so hit play to explore Sansarpur’s hockey legacy with Amrinder Gidda. Perfect for sports enthusiasts and those passionate about Punjabi heritage, this podcast is a tribute to a village that changed the game. Sansarpur’s Enduring Inspiration The Mecca of Hockey’s influence extends beyond sports. The 2018 Punjabi film "Khido Khundi" portrays Sansarpur’s hockey heritage and modern challenges, blending fact and fiction. In 2018, Colonel Sarfraz Singh Kular, son of Olympian Colonel Balbir Singh, carried a hockey stick to Mount Everest’s summit, symbolizing the village’s unyielding spirit. Young players like Jasjit Singh Kular, who excelled in the 2015 World League Semifinals, show that Sansarpur’s talent pool remains alive. With community efforts and potential government support, the village could reclaim its status as the Mecca of Hockey. Why the Mecca of Hockey Matters Sansarpur’s story is one of resilience, passion, and Punjabi pride. As the cradle of India’s 8 Olympic gold medals in hockey, it holds a unique place in sports history. For the Punjabi diaspora, the Mecca of Hockey symbolizes how a small village can achieve global greatness. Radio Haanji’s podcast, hosted by Amrinder Gidda, connects listeners to this legacy, inspiring future generations to carry forward the torch of Indian hockey. Call to Action Listen to the Podcast: Play the attached audio or visit radiohaanji.com to hear "Mecca of Hockey, Village Sansarpur" on Radio Haanji 1674 AM or the Radio Haanji Android or iOS app. Share the Story: Spread the legacy of the Mecca of Hockey on social media with hashtags like #MeccaOfHockey, #SansarpurHockey, and #RadioHaanji. Support Indian Hockey: Follow the Indian hockey team and advocate for better facilities in villages like Sansarpur. The Podcast You May Like ਕ੍ਰਿਕੇਟ ਦੀ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਦਾ ਬਾਦਸ਼ਾਹ - ਵਿਰਾਟ ਕੋਹਲੀ - Amrinder Gidda - Radio Haanji Date: 23 Jun 2025 Duration: 10 mins
