This Sunday, the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium in Burlton Park buzzed with excitement as thirteen hockey teams from Punjab, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh gathered to compete for the esteemed Mata Parkash Kaur Cup. Amidst the fierce competition, one family will proudly hold the trophy aloft, celebrating the legacy of Balwant Kapur, whose unwavering love for hockey inspired the very tournament now in its 20th year.
Founded in 2004, the Kapur Brothers’ tournament has become a beloved fixture in the regional hockey calendar. The founding members—Gursaran Singh (88), Harbhajan Singh (85), Manjit Singh (82), Tirath Singh (74), and Hardeep Singh (65)—have remained steadfast in their commitment, ensuring their father’s name remains synonymous with the sport they cherish.
The competition offers substantial rewards, with the winning team receiving ₹1.25 lakh, runners-up awarded ₹1 lakh, and the third and fourth places earning ₹80,000 and ₹60,000 respectively. Additionally, six standout players will each receive ₹10,000, recognizing individual talent and dedication on the ice.
“Our father passed away in 1995, and we wanted to create something meaningful in his memory,” said Harbhajan Singh. “After many discussions and planning, we realized that a hockey tournament would be the perfect tribute to keep his spirit alive.”
Balwant Kapur, originally from Gujranwala, migrated to Jalandhar during the Partition in 1947. It was at Khalsa School where he first learned to play hockey, fostering a lifelong passion for the game. Although he never played competitively, his enthusiasm for hockey was profound enough to inspire his sons to establish the annual tournament. Balwant served as a superintendent for the Jalandhar civic body until his retirement, leaving behind a legacy that extends beyond his professional achievements.
“The tournament has become our family’s annual celebration,” Harbhajan added. “Even though we might miss other family gatherings during festivals like Diwali or Gurpurb, we make it a point to come together for this event every year.” The family recently mourned the loss of brother Manmohan Singh, who was a pivotal figure in organizing the tournament until his passing two years ago.
Looking ahead, Manjit Singh Kapur expressed confidence in the younger generation, saying, “We may not know what the future holds, but we have entrusted the responsibility to our children. They are committed to preserving and advancing our father’s legacy.”
In a move to maintain the tournament’s personal and heartfelt nature, the Kapur family intentionally excludes political figures from the event. “We want to keep the focus on hockey and our father’s memory, free from any political interference,” Manjit explained.
As the teams take to the field this Sunday, the Kapur brothers exemplify how passion and dedication can honor a loved one’s memory, ensuring that Balwant Kapur’s love for hockey continues to inspire future generations.
