An Olympian’s Tryst with Soldiering: From Sansarpur to the Saragarhi Battalion (4 SIKH)
Author: Col. Balbir Singh
Genre: Autobiography
Published by The Browser (Distributed by Simon and Schuster India)
Pages: 132
MRP: Rs. 299/-
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The book An Olympian’s Tryst with Soldiering: From Sansarpur to the Saragarhi Battalion (4 SIKH) by Colonel Balbir Singh is a memoir that captures an extraordinary life story, seamlessly blending the worlds of sports and military service. Colonel Singh, an Arjuna Award-winning hockey player, narrates his journey from the small village of Sansarpur to becoming a prominent figure in both the sporting and military realms. The book also delves into the unique historical and cultural legacy of Sansarpur, known for producing Olympians, especially in field hockey, and its deep ties to the Sikh Regiment of the Indian Army.
Overview and Themes
The book is divided into various sections, each focusing on different phases of the author's life. From the outset, the prologue sets the tone for a remarkable journey, describing a young Balbir Singh making his way to Rupa Valley to play for the 4 Sikh hockey team in the Brigade Hockey Championship. The prologue highlights the pivotal role that sports played in the military and foreshadows the integration of these two facets of Singh’s life.
A key theme throughout the book is the symbiotic relationship between sports and soldiering. Singh grew up in Sansarpur, a village famous for producing Olympians and known for its deep connections to hockey and military service. This dual heritage of athleticism and soldiering is something Singh inherited from his family. His father, Gajjan Singh, served in the Sikh Regiment and was wounded in the 1947 Indo-Pak war. These roots in Sansarpur not only shaped Singh’s sporting career but also his military ethos.
A Personal and Community Legacy
The book paints a vivid picture of Sansarpur, a village that does not need much introduction to anyone familiar with Indian sports history. Known globally for producing 14 Olympians and many international hockey players, Sansarpur is almost a character in itself in the narrative. Singh’s recounting of growing up in a community that valued both hockey and soldiering speaks volumes about the kind of environment that nurtures world-class athletes and soldiers. The village’s contribution to the Sikh Regiment, especially the Saragarhi Battalion (4 SIKH), is interwoven into the story, linking personal achievements with a broader historical and cultural narrative.
The role of family is another recurring theme. Singh dedicates the book to his mother, Darbar Kaur, and his father, Gajjan Singh, who played pivotal roles in shaping his life. The familial ties to both hockey and the Sikh Regiment are explored deeply, with the author frequently referring to his father’s influence on his sports career. The narrative reflects on the sacrifices made by both family members and the community to nurture their children into becoming world-class athletes and soldiers.
Sports and Soldiering
Singh’s journey in hockey is chronicled from his early days in Sansarpur to playing in prestigious tournaments, including his experience as a 16-year-old boy playing near the foothills of Saragarhi in Afghanistan. His narrative sheds light on the deeply ingrained culture of sports in the Sikh Regiment, particularly the prominence of hockey within the military units.
In fact, Singh is the first Sikh to win an Olympic gold medal, an achievement that symbolizes not only his personal success but also the integration of Sansarpur’s unique sporting heritage with military excellence. The memoir recounts his participation in the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 1932, where his uncle scored seven goals using a hockey stick crafted in Sialkot, Pakistan—an artifact that remains a family heirloom.
Singh’s dual life as an athlete and soldier is at the heart of the book. His military service with the Saragarhi Battalion (4 SIKH) is recounted alongside his sporting achievements, symbolizing the fusion of physical prowess on the battlefield and the sports field. The historical importance of the Sikh Regiment’s connection to hockey is also highlighted, with the regiment having produced many notable players who have gone on to represent India at the highest levels.
Sansarpur’s Hockey Legacy
The book delves deeply into the history of Sansarpur, explaining how a small village became a powerhouse in Indian hockey. Singh traces the history of the village and its contributions to national and international hockey tournaments. The mention of prominent Sansarpur players who participated in major events like the Nehru Gold Cup and international tours showcases the village’s unique position in Indian sports history.
Singh describes how Sansarpur’s culture of hockey took root, influenced by its proximity to the Jalandhar Cantonment, where British soldiers stationed in the area introduced the sport. Over time, Sansarpur’s villagers became so proficient that by the mid-20th century, it became known as a nursery for Indian hockey players, producing several Olympians who brought home gold medals. Singh himself acknowledges the immense pride and responsibility he felt being part of this rich tradition, and how his own career was influenced by this sporting culture.
The Battle of Saragarhi and the Sikh Regiment
One of the more historical aspects of the book revolves around the Saragarhi Battalion and its role in Indian military history. The Battle of Saragarhi, where 21 Sikh soldiers of the 36th Sikh Regiment (now 4 Sikh) fought bravely against overwhelming odds in 1897, is given a place of honor in Singh’s narrative. He draws parallels between the bravery of these soldiers and the perseverance required in both sports and military life.
The legacy of the Saragarhi heroes, especially Havildar Ishar Singh, is something that deeply resonates with the author. Singh’s military service in the 4 Sikh Battalion, also known as the Saragarhi Battalion, seems like a natural continuation of this historic legacy. The author reflects on how this history of sacrifice and valor permeates the ethos of the regiment and influenced his own life as a soldier-athlete.
Reflections on Leadership and Legacy
Singh’s memoir also provides insight into the qualities of leadership and resilience, both in sports and soldiering. His reflections on key military leaders, like Lieutenant Colonel Anant Singh, who played a crucial role in the development of 4 Sikh after the 1962 Sino-Indian war, highlight the importance of mentorship and vision in rebuilding a unit or a sports team. The book emphasizes how sports and soldiering demand the same qualities of discipline, leadership, and a never-give-up attitude.
Moreover, Singh reflects on how the 4 Sikh Battalion rebuilt itself after significant setbacks, particularly after the debacle at Khemkaran during the 1965 Indo-Pak war. The commanding officer’s leadership in rallying the troops and achieving success in the capture of Barki during the war is lauded, showcasing the resilience of the regiment in the face of adversity.
Conclusion
An Olympian’s Tryst with Soldiering is much more than a personal memoir. It is a tribute to the rich cultural and historical heritage of Sansarpur, its sporting legacy, and the valor of the Sikh Regiment. Through Singh’s recounting of his life, readers get a glimpse of the deep ties between sports and soldiering, and how these two worlds complemented and enriched each other in his life.
The book is a blend of personal stories, historical accounts, and reflections on leadership and resilience, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in Indian sports history, military heritage, or the unique interplay between these two domains. Singh’s achievements as both an athlete and soldier are presented as part of a broader legacy—one that is rooted in the collective ethos of Sansarpur and the proud tradition of the Sikh Regiment.
In sum, Colonel Balbir Singh’s memoir is an inspiring narrative of personal achievement, set against the backdrop of a rich cultural and military history. It is a story of triumphs, challenges, and the unyielding spirit of a soldier-athlete who continues to inspire future generations.
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