Once celebrated as one of the state’s strongest nurseries for hockey talent, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) now stands at a crossroads amid a worrying decline in the game.
There was a time when the game brought immense glory to the institution, the state and the country. Former Olympians, students and members of the hockey fraternity have expressed concern over the game’s decline on the campus and called for urgent corrective measures.
For decades, the university and the government school on its campus stood a symbol of excellence in hockey, producing generations of players who represented universities, the state and the national team with distinction. The institution’s sprawling grounds, disciplined sporting culture and competitive atmosphere made it one of the most respected centres of hockey development in North India, and transformed the campus into a cradle of champions.
The university’s glorious legacy is associated with legendary names such as Olympians Charanjit Singh, Prithipal Singh and Ramandeep Singh Grewal, along with international stars Rajwinder Singh, Lata Mahajan (both played World Cups) and Yadvinder Singh Deol (played Asia Cup).
Former players recall there was a time when hockey was not just a sport at the PAU, it was an identity. Morning and evening practice sessions, packed inter-college tournaments and fierce campus rivalries kept the spirit of the game alive. The government school on the campus played a crucial role by identifying and nurturing talent at a young age.
However, experts believe the once-thriving hockey ecosystem has weakened drastically over the years and the tradition now appears to be fading rapidly.
“The contribution of PAU hockey to Punjab and Indian hockey has become negligible compared to its past,” said a senior former player associated with the university. “There was a time when every tournament featured players from PAU. Today, that presence is missing,” the player added.
Of late, the school’s contribution has become trifling. PAU teams have not made the last-eight stage in inter-university competitions for three years now. No PAU player has been called to a senior national camp since 2021, pointed out a former PAU hockey player.
Members of the hockey fraternity blame the decline on lack of long-term planning, weakening grassroots programmes, inadequate promotion of sports in educational institutions and diminishing administrative focus towards hockey development.
They also voiced concern over the underutilisation of the university’s sporting infrastructure, especially the AstroTurf named after Olympian Prithipal Singh. Sports enthusiasts believe the stadium should have emerged as a vibrant centre for coaching academies, district-level tournaments and training camps.
“Hockey culture has faded from the campus. The infrastructure exists, but the system that once produced players with passion and discipline has weakened. Without grassroots programmes, no institution can sustain sporting excellence,” said a local hockey promoter.
Current students also expressed disappointment over the declining sporting environment. “We hear inspiring stories about the golden era of PAU hockey from our seniors, but do not get the same exposure or competitive opportunities. There should be regular tournaments and professional coaching to motivate young players,” said a university student.
Another student from the government school said fewer children were now taking up hockey seriously as there was limited encouragement and structured training.
“Earlier, students dreamt of becoming national players. Now, many do not even know about the university’s hockey legacy,” he added.
Former coaches say the government school once served as the backbone of PAU hockey by producing disciplined and technically sound players. According to them, weakening sports structure at school level has severely affected the flow of talent.
“Hockey talent can’t emerge overnight,” said Harinder Singh Bhullar, retired assistant director, physical education, PAU, and a veteran coach.
“It requires consistent nurturing, school-level competitions and dedicated mentorship. The PAU once had all these ingredients,” he added.
Bhullar maintained the decline of PAU hockey reflected broader challenge facing state hockey. According to him, Punjab has historically been a state that formed the backbone of Indian hockey.
The experts fear continued neglect of traditional centres like the PAU could further weaken the state’s contribution to the national game.
Former players, sports organisers and hockey enthusiasts urge the state government, the university and Sports Department to formulate a comprehensive revival plan. They demand specialised coaching staff, regular inter-school tournaments, year-round hockey activities and scholarship schemes for promising players.
Many believe the PAU still possesses the legacy, infrastructure and emotional connection needed to revive its hockey culture, provided there is vision, commitment and sustained support.
“The silent grounds of the PAU have produced Olympians in the past, and they can produce champions again. However, it can happen only if hockey is brought back to the centre of campus life,” said Ramandeep Singh Grewal, a former university player and captain of Indian hockey team, unable to control his emotions.
“The campus once produced players of all disciplines who made a mark on national and international platforms. It should not be allowed to lose its sporting identity. With proper leadership, planning and commitment, the PAU can once again become a hockey and sporting powerhouse,” he added.
“Sports can’t flourish merely through infrastructure. It requires leadership that understands the mindset of players and importance of sporting culture. If a person with genuine experience is appointed as Director Students’ Welfare, it can significantly benefit the PAU’s rise in sports,” said Ajaypal Singh Punia, a former university player and general secretary of Hockey Ludhiana.
Echoing his views, experts feel such an appointment could help strengthen grassroots programmes, improve coordination with coaches and sports association, encourage student participation and restore confidence among budding athletes.
They also press for giving schoolkids given fixed hours on the PAU turf before college practice, restarting junior U-14 and U-16 tournaments, and a tie-up with the state Sports Department for scholarships.
PAU officials maintain the facilities are intact. According to them, the AstroTurf is Federation Internationale de Hockey (FIH) approved and the university has a coach and equipment, but students now prioritise academies.
As concerns grow, many believe the silent grounds still hold the potential to produce champions.
