In the bustling sports circles of Jalandhar, one name has come to symbolize perseverance and passion for athletics: Sarabjit Singh, fondly known as the “Happy Coach.” With a career that began in the early ‘90s as an athlete, Sarabjit has transformed into a mentor who nurtures raw talent and molds future champions.
A Star is Born on the Track
Sarabjit’s journey into the world of sports began at Sai Dass Public School in Jalandhar. It was here that he first embraced competitive sports, participating in a ‘walking’ event and making daily pilgrimages to the Guru Gobind Singh Stadium. In 1991, he clinched his first gold medal at a Junior National event in Odisha—a victory that would set the tone for his multifaceted athletic career. Known for his unique ability to excel in both walking and sprinting, Sarabjit earned the nickname “aathva ajooba” or “the eighth wonder of the world” after a stunning performance at the North Zone Athletics Championship in Jammu in 1993.
From Athlete to Mentor
Despite his own successes on the track, Sarabjit found his true calling in coaching. He began by training students from Government School, Nehru Garden, and various local colleges at the Guru Gobind Singh Stadium. His dedication soon caught the attention of Khalsa College, where he worked for a modest salary of Rs 3,500 per month—a sum that hardly reflected the pride he felt when his protégés brought laurels to their communities.
One notable episode from his early coaching days involved an enticing offer from a Ludhiana lawn tennis academy. The coach was offered a handsome Rs 35,000 to provide fitness training to their players. Yet, staying true to his roots in athletics, Sarabjit turned down the opportunity, determined not to abandon the sport that had defined his life.
Mentoring Champions: The Gurindervir Singh Saga
Perhaps the most compelling testament to his coaching prowess is his decade-long mentorship of athlete Gurindervir Singh. Meeting Gurindervir at the tender age of 14, Sarabjit nurtured him into a record-breaking sprinter. At the recent Indian Grand Prix 1 in Bengaluru, Gurindervir clocked an impressive 10.20 seconds in the 100m race, earning him the moniker “Flying Sikh-2.” The victory not only broke national records but also confirmed the deep bond between coach and athlete—a relationship built on mutual trust and relentless hard work.
Continuing a Legacy of Excellence
In 2009, Sarabjit joined the Sports Department as a coach—a move that would further cement his influence on the sporting landscape. Within a year, two of his students had qualified for the Commonwealth Games held in Delhi. His commitment to developing local talent also led his team from Punjab to clinch gold in the 4×400m mixed relay at the Open National Athletics Championship in Bengaluru.
Today, the coach proudly watches as more of his students, including promising talents like Twinkle Chaudhary and others, earn qualifications for prestigious events such as the Asian Championships. Each achievement fuels his passion and reinforces his belief in the transformative power of sports.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Sarabjit Singh’s life story is one of relentless pursuit of excellence—both as an athlete and as a mentor. His journey from a young sports enthusiast to a celebrated coach continues to inspire aspiring sportspersons across the region. In his own words, his mission remains clear: to create a legacy of champions who not only excel in sports but also serve as beacons of inspiration for future generations.
As Jalandhar’s sports fraternity celebrates his remarkable contributions, Sarabjit Singh remains a testament to the idea that passion, persistence, and a deep commitment to nurturing talent can indeed change lives and shape the future of sports in India.
