In the heart of Gurdaspur, a town often overshadowed by tales of drug abuse and drone threats, a different kind of battle is being fought. Here, amid the unremarkable buildings and the hum of daily strife, a judo revolution is quietly unfolding, transforming young lives and capturing national attention.
At the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Judo Coaching Centre, the ethos is clear: it’s not the poverty or lack of resources that defines success, but the relentless drive to overcome them. In a town where the sun often seems relentless and the expectations higher, young judokas learn that mediocrity is not an option. The Centre’s mantra is simple but profound: it is not a crime to be poor, but failing to bring home a medal is.
The impact of the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Centre extends far beyond the borders of this small town. Although the Indian Olympic squad heading to Paris this year does not feature any judokas from Gurdaspur, the centre’s influence remains palpable. The town’s athletes are celebrated for their tenacity, and many in the judo community will be cheering for the Indian contenders, particularly the heavyweight who came close but fell short in the finals. The Centre’s reputation for fostering international talent is well-earned, boasting an impressive roster of 37 international players and 80 national-level medallists.
The Centre’s success story has even captured Bollywood’s imagination. Earlier this year, producer-director Varun Chaphekar spent three months in Gurdaspur, gathering material for a film about the town’s judokas. With filming set to begin in October, this cinematic venture promises to shine a spotlight on the remarkable journey of these athletes.
The journey of these judokas is as compelling as it is inspiring. In 2016, Head Constable Avtar Singh’s selection for the Rio Olympics was a moment of immense pride for Gurdaspur. Four years later, Jasleen Saini, an Asian championship gold medalist and the son of a laboratory attendant, was on the verge of qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics when the pandemic thwarted his dreams. Similarly, Karanjit Mann’s recent gold medal win at the World Police Games in Winnipeg drew international attention, with a Canadian TV channel highlighting the renowned training centre from which he hails.
Jasleen Saini’s description of his training regimen reveals the intense dedication required to succeed. He likens the pain of rigorous practice to a high, a stark contrast to the destructive allure of substance abuse. This dedication is mirrored in the life of Amarjit Shastri, the visionary behind the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Centre. Once a Sanskrit teacher with no formal judo qualifications, Shastri took on the mantle of coach in 1983 amid a tumultuous era of terrorism. Despite facing threats from militants who tried to coerce him into abandoning the sport, Shastri’s unwavering commitment led to the establishment of the School of Eminence in 1991. This decision marked the beginning of Gurdaspur’s ascent in the judo world.
Financial challenges have been a constant hurdle, but Shastri’s resourcefulness has ensured that the Centre continues to thrive. Former players contribute a portion of their earnings, and generous donations occasionally bolster the Centre’s funds. Shastri’s commitment extends to scouting talent in rural areas, where he believes the resilience and honor of village boys outshine their urban counterparts. He covers the expenses of boarding and lodging for these promising athletes, ensuring that talent is nurtured regardless of financial constraints.
Looking ahead, the Gurdaspur judo community is gearing up for upcoming international events, including the World Cadet Championship in Lima, Peru, the Junior Asian Meet in Korea, and the Tajikistan Junior World Championship.
In the world of judo, where financial rewards are scant, Gurdaspur’s judokas exemplify a different kind of heroism. They pursue their dreams with relentless passion, undeterred by adversity. Their story is not just one of personal triumph but a testament to the power of perseverance and the unyielding spirit of a small town with big dreams.
