AI Generated Summary
- In the wake of the devastating floods that have inundated large parts of Punjab, some of India’s most celebrated athletes have left the playing field behind to join relief efforts, offering both material aid and much-needed morale to struggling communities.
- Their willingness to sit with families, share meals, and offer words of encouragement has created a sense of solidarity that transcends the world of sports.
- As Punjab begins the long road to recovery, the actions of its athletes have offered a powerful reminder.
In the wake of the devastating floods that have inundated large parts of Punjab, some of India’s most celebrated athletes have left the playing field behind to join relief efforts, offering both material aid and much-needed morale to struggling communities.
At the forefront is cricketer-turned-MP Harbhajan Singh, who has been actively working in Sultanpur Lodhi, one of the worst-affected regions. Braving difficult terrain, he has traveled into remote villages—often on tractors where vehicles could not pass—to meet those in distress. Harbhajan has not limited himself to distributing relief kits; he has been seen seeking blessings from the elderly, sitting with women preparing langar (community meals), and listening intently to farmers’ concerns.
“Even if the water level has receded, the situation seems to have worsened this time,” Harbhajan observed during a media interaction on Tuesday. His hands-on approach, including distributing supplies alongside a close friend from Mumbai, has resonated deeply with flood-hit families.
Meanwhile, Punjab’s hockey stars have also emerged as pillars of support. Olympians Manpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh, both hailing from Jalandhar, have adopted affected homes and are ensuring sustained assistance to families most in need. Videos of the duo comforting children and engaging with displaced villagers have spread widely on social media, drawing admiration for their personal commitment.
Adding to the efforts, fellow hockey player Hardik Singh has adopted two homes himself, joining his teammates in providing long-term aid rather than one-time relief.
For many residents, the presence of these sporting icons has been as important as the relief material itself. Their willingness to sit with families, share meals, and offer words of encouragement has created a sense of solidarity that transcends the world of sports.
As Punjab begins the long road to recovery, the actions of its athletes have offered a powerful reminder: heroes are not only made on the field, but also in moments of shared humanity.
