The village of Dhada Khurd in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, is abuzz with pride and celebration as New Zealand-based footballer Sarpreet Singh prepares to represent his country at the FIFA World Cup. Singh’s maternal family hails from this village, maintaining strong ties to their ancestral roots in Punjab.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Sarabjit Kaur, Sarpreet Singh’s mother, expressed her joy and gratitude upon her son’s selection by arranging for the distribution of prashad at the village gurdwara. She also requested an Ardas, a Sikh prayer ceremony, at the gurdwara before Sarpreet’s departure for the tournament. In a gesture aimed at nurturing future talent, she further sent sports kits for approximately 40 young footballers undergoing training at the Principal Harbhajan Singh Sporting Club in Mahilpur, a region known as the cradle of football in Punjab.
Sarpreet Singh’s family relocated to New Zealand about 35 years ago, but their connection to Punjab, particularly his father’s origins in Jalandhar, has remained a significant part of their identity. Sarabjit Kaur, who is currently in the United States to witness her son’s participation in the global event, attributed his success to unwavering dedication and rigorous hard work over the years.
Speaking to The Tribune, Sarabjit Kaur shared insights into her son’s football journey. “Sarpreet started playing football when he was just two-and-a-half years old. He began with local clubs, and many members of our family have been involved in sports. Football was always his passion, and he devoted himself completely to the game,” she stated. Despite living overseas, the family has diligently preserved their connection to Punjab, with Sarabjit Kaur visiting the state multiple times and Sarpreet himself having travelled to India around 2017-18 for a match.
Sukhchain Singh, a retired school principal and a close family friend of Sarpreet’s maternal grandfather, highlighted the family’s consistent efforts to maintain their links with Dhada Khurd. “Even after moving to New Zealand, Sarpreet’s mother remained in touch with people here and has helped many needy families. When his World Cup selection was confirmed, she immediately wanted to share the happiness with the village,” Singh remarked. This sentiment underscores the deep bond between the family and their ancestral village.
Dr Parampreet Kandowal, General Secretary of the Principal Harbhajan Singh Memorial Club, noted the historical significance of Sarpreet Singh’s achievement. He described Singh as one of the select footballers of Indian origin to have earned a place in their nation’s squad for the FIFA World Cup. “It is a matter of great pride for Punjabis. Her gesture of sending kits for young players makes this achievement even more meaningful for us,” Kandowal said, emphasizing the inspirational aspect of Singh’s journey for aspiring athletes in the region.
Principal Parvinder Singh of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa College, Mahilpur, which is affiliated with the sporting club, underscored the unique resonance of Sarpreet Singh’s success given Mahilpur’s long-standing footballing legacy. “Mahilpur has been known as the cradle of football in Punjab for generations. Sarpreet Singh’s connection with this region is a source of immense pride,” he stated. He further added that for the young footballers who received the sports kits, Sarpreet’s story serves as a powerful testament to the fact that unwavering dedication can propel a player to the sport’s most prestigious stage.
As Sarpreet Singh gears up to represent New Zealand on the global football platform, the residents of Dhada Khurd will undoubtedly be cheering with a sense of deep connection, proudly considering him one of their own who has reached the pinnacle of international football.
The Chenab Times News Desk