Hoshiarpur: Arjuna Award-winning footballer Gurdev Singh Gill—who made his mark on the international football stage by following in the footsteps of Olympian Jarnail Singh Panam—is deeply concerned about the upheavals in the national and state sports landscape. He remains actively committed to connecting the new generation with sports. Often recalling the hard work and achievements of players from his era—such as Sardar Inder Singh, the late Gurkripal Singh Pali, Keso Kripal Singh (Baddon), and the Purewal brothers of Kalewal Fattu—Gill attributes the negative shifts in sports today to a lack of sportsmanship, passion, discipline, and dedication among the new generation.
He noted that even when his generation and the one preceding it lacked modern amenities and proper sports equipment, the country still produced renowned players who brought global acclaim to the nation. Today, despite the availability of excellent playing fields, coaches, and facilities in every village and city, we are not producing legendary players or witnessing the same level of mentorship as before; this situation demands serious reflection. Governments must move beyond superficial publicity and formulate realistic sports policies; there is a pressing need to support, encourage, and nurture emerging athletes.
He commended the "Football Players Welfare Society, Mahilpur"—recently established by local footballers and sports enthusiasts—describing it as a praiseworthy initiative to boost the morale of young players and strengthen the bonds of camaraderie among veteran athletes. Serving as a patron himself, he pledged his full support to the organization.
He also urged the youth to steer clear of the haze of drug abuse and bad company, avoid petty conflicts, cherish the precious gift of life bestowed by nature, and value their time. DSP Surinderpal Singh, Inspector Gurdyal Singh Bains, Tahal Singh Chahal (Canadian), Talvinder Singh Heer Nangal, athletes, and sports enthusiasts were present on this occasion.