Inder Singh "Arjuna Awardee"
The biggest desire of any person is wealth, hunger for money, and fame. Indar Singh, the recipient of the Punjab Arjan Award, can achieve all these aspirations for himself and his country. However, such a feat can only be accomplished by a true warrior blessed with the grace of Baba Nanak and the virtues of patience and contentment. Indar Singh, our beloved and respected footballer, showcased this remarkable achievement in 1967. He illuminated his name in the field of football, shining brightly across the globe. In 1967, during the Merdeka Cup in Malaysia, the Prime Minister of Malaysia became his fan. Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman honored him with a monthly salary of 23,000. Indar Singh proudly said, "I am proud to be Punjabi. I will only play for my country. I have immense love for my motherland and its people." This is the love for one's own land. At that time, he made the foolish decision to reject the offers from many companions and the prestigious decisions of greatness. However, Indar Singh never regretted this and instead led his country's team to victory, elevating Punjab and India's name to great heights. This is the devotion to the nation. Money alone is not everything in life. True individuals unlock the doors of progress for all their companions through the key of hard work. Indar Singh not only opened doors for himself but also through the JCT Club, he paved the way for progress for many Punjabis. Those whom he blesses become star footballers themselves.
The life story of Indar Singh can be presented through numerous black pages. His name is enshrined in the history of not only Punjab but also Indian football. After Malaysia's Prime Minister's offer, Mohun Bagan Club of West Bengal presented him with a blank cheque to join their team. Similar incidents have occurred in the Khalsa Sporting Club of Canada. He never let money dictate his choices and instead planted his roots firmly in this land, leaving behind a legacy. He has received numerous honors and accolades both nationally and internationally. His courageous and inspirational stories have paved the way for many. His record of scoring 23 goals in the Santosh Trophy, a national football championship, still stands today. In the final match, Punjab defeated Bengal with a 6-0 margin. In the final, Indar Singh scored three goals, completing a hat-trick. These historic goals were scored in the Santosh Trophy of 1974. The Indian government honored his sportsmanship with the Arjuna Award in 1969. In 1964, Jarnail Singh Ulankpuri became the first Punjabi to receive this prestigious award. Gurdev Singh Gill received the third Arjuna Award in 1979, and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu achieved this honor in 2019, becoming the 26th Arjuna Awardee in football for India.
Indar Singh is a footballer at the level of a national player who possesses all the qualities required for a professional footballer. He has earned great respect, equal discussions among his peers, and admiration for nurturing newcomers due to his charismatic personality. In addition to being an excellent footballer, he also serves as a yoga coach, a successful manager, and a promoter of sports for his friend's sports academy. He is currently representing the Punjab Football Association as an honorary soccer ambassador.
His son, Harjinder Singh Jaga, is emerging as a talented footballer and is following in his father's footsteps. Indar Singh has dedicated all his resources, including those of his family, to the development and progress of football. These athletes are valued and cherished for their dedication to the beloved sport of football, which holds great significance for the entire Punjab region. Notably, both of them have received three Arjuna Awards as footballers. Indar Singh's life journey and struggles inspire everyone to strive for excellence within themselves. He emphasizes that consistent practice, guided by coaches and parents, is essential to achieve high goals. Hard work done with honesty is what elevates a person to great heights.
Indar Singh became the first leader of Punjab's football club when he joined as a coach in 1960. In 1974, he became a member of the JCT Phagwara club. From 1962 to 1978, he represented Punjab in the national team and set records with his performance. He participated in the All India level and represented Punjab's team from 1963 to 1975. He captained the Indian team in 1969, 1973, and 1975, leading them to victory in those tournaments.
In 1967-68, he was selected for the Asian All-Star Team. During the Asian Cup held in Israel, the Indian team performed exceptionally well, with him being the leading run-scorer. He retired from playing in 1985 and continued to serve as a manager until 2001. Under his leadership, the Indian team achieved significant milestones and consistently excelled in numerous international tournaments. In 1963, he made his first appearance for the Indian team in Sri Lanka. He also participated in the pre-Olympic Games in Tehran in 1964. He played a crucial role in winning the silver medal in the 1964 Merdeka Cup. In the same year, he led the Indian team to victory in the Asian Cup, resulting in the team winning a silver trophy. In 1962, he played with great distinction in the Asian Games held in Bangkok. He received great praise for his performance in the 1975 Halal Cup in Indonesia as well. He captained the Indian team in the Merdeka Cup in 1967, 68, 69, 70, and 1977. He continued to captain the team in various international matches, leading India to numerous victories.
Indar Singh Kapoor was born on December 23, 1943, in Kapurthala district of Punjab, India. According to his companions, when he regained consciousness, he started playing with a ball even before anything else. It is said that he used to roam the streets of his neighborhood, constantly engaged in playing football. Football became his passion, and he pursued it passionately. He rose to become a shining star in the world of football, where he played an important role and left a lasting impact. He played a significant role in promoting the pride of Punjab in Indian football.