AI Generated Summary
- In the heart of Ghamaur, a small village in the Balachaur subdivision, a retired CRPF Inspector has sparked a quiet revolution—one that begins with a football and ends with hope.
- And for Jaspal Singh, it is a personal mission to ensure that no child in his village ever falls prey to the drug crisis plaguing Punjab.
- Jaspal Singh, who hung up his uniform in February this year, has swapped his service rifle for a whistle, dedicating his post-retirement life to keeping village children away from the growing menace of drug addiction.
In the heart of Ghamaur, a small village in the Balachaur subdivision, a retired CRPF Inspector has sparked a quiet revolution—one that begins with a football and ends with hope.
Jaspal Singh, who hung up his uniform in February this year, has swapped his service rifle for a whistle, dedicating his post-retirement life to keeping village children away from the growing menace of drug addiction. His method is simple but powerful: keep them busy, keep them united, and keep them dreaming—through football.
Every evening, the once-silent village ground now echoes with cheers, laughter, and the rhythmic pounding of footballs. Around 30 to 40 children, mostly from families of daily wage workers, train under Jaspal’s watchful eye, proudly wearing matching jerseys marked “Ghamaur 1,” “Ghamaur 2,” and so on. The numbered jerseys, Jaspal says, are a symbol of unity and discipline, qualities he hopes will define their future both on and off the field.
“I just want the children of my village to stay connected with sports so that drugs can never be part of their lives,” says the 58-year-old, who funds the entire initiative himself.
A Movement Born from One Man’s Passion
The seeds of this change were sown years ago. During his service with the CRPF, Jaspal—himself a skilled footballer who played in several force-level tournaments—would bring footballs home during holidays to spark curiosity among local kids. What began as casual play sessions has now grown into a disciplined training regime.
After retirement, Jaspal’s efforts intensified. He made announcements from the village gurdwara, went door-to-door convincing parents, and even promised to personally look after the children during training sessions. His brother, Jagdish Singh Sodhi, a retired Punjab Police officer, joined him in the mission, and together they have been coaching young players daily.
Taking the Game Beyond the Village
In June, when a summer football camp was organised in Nawanshahr, Jaspal ensured no child was left out due to financial or travel issues. Driving them himself at first, and later arranging a tempo traveller, he accompanied the children every single day of the 30-day camp.
Now, with proper kits and growing confidence, the children are dreaming bigger. Jaspal plans to organise inter-village tournaments soon, giving his young players a platform to showcase their skills.
A Shield Against Drugs, A Shot at a Better Future
For Ghamaur’s children, football is no longer just a game. It has become a path to discipline, teamwork, and hope. For their parents, it is reassurance that their children are engaged in something positive. And for Jaspal Singh, it is a personal mission to ensure that no child in his village ever falls prey to the drug crisis plaguing Punjab.
Through sheer determination and love for his community, Jaspal has proven that change does not always need government schemes or big budgets. Sometimes, it only takes one man, a ball, and an unyielding dream.
