Satwant Singh Bains
Satwant Singh Bains is one of the founder members of the Principal of Harbhajan Singh Sporting Club in Mahilpur. He has devoted his entire life to the field of sports. He is the esteemed leader and manager of several clubs in Punjab. Wherever football is played, he is revered there to encourage the newcomers. He has a special quality of providing good advice and guiding people in the right direction in every matter. Despite living in Canada, he remains connected to the land of Punjab through its soil. He has shaped the bitter realities of life into stepping stones. He played a vital role in establishing sports academies in Punjab as per the suggestions sent to the Punjab government. The desire to establish an academy according to the interests of the region and to prepare the nursery for that sport was the demand of the time. Therefore, he advises everyone to think before taking action. This thoughtful friend plays an important role in managing his rich sports heritage and passing it on to the next generation. Such individuals are deserving of respect and using the symbol of bitter milk (a metaphor for hard work), which never lets anyone sit idle, but instead helps in building a healthy society.
Satwant Singh Bains is a personality who started his life with a passion for football. Despite being the Deputy Director of Sports for Punjab, he retired in 1994. With his tall and lean physique, he excelled in football and was a testament to his exceptional sporting skills. While he may not be as well-known as others, his contribution to the field he excelled in is noteworthy. In 1995, when he heard about my project regarding football academies, he decided to publish a book to manage and preserve this treasure. He sought permission from the club for the publication of the book, and S. Dharam Singh played a crucial role in facilitating that. As a result, the book "Football Jagat Mahilpur" could be published. Despite not achieving significant recognition on the field, he never deviated from his responsibilities and always worked towards enhancing the world of football. In Mahilpur, he provided recommendations to establish a football academy. He also implemented practical measures to improve other sports academies, showcasing his commitment to overall sports development. It is worth mentioning that such initiatives often become victims of politics and face obstacles in their implementation.
Sardar Ajmer Singh, the Numberdar of Kasba Mahilpur, was born on January 10, 1936. He studied at Khalsa College, where he excelled in football and won the Punjab University Football Championship in 1953 and 1955. He also captained the team that won the All India Inter-University Championship in 1958. In the same year, he represented the Indian University Football Team.
Sardar Ajmer Singh achieved good rankings in the National Football Championship in 1956, 1957, and 1958. After completing his D.P.Ed. from Patiala, he pursued an M.A. in Physical Education and became a skilled coach. He worked as a District Sports Officer and actively promoted sports activities in several districts of Punjab. Recognizing his achievements, the authorities appointed him as the Deputy Director of Sports in Jalandhar, where he served with dedication.
His responsibilities in the field of sports expanded, and he provided valuable guidance and advice to sports officials, successfully overcoming challenges and making significant contributions to the sports world. Not only did he coach at various levels, but he also became involved in coaching players from different communities and countries. He takes pride in the fact that his coaching accomplishments are based on his own sporting achievements.
Satwant Singh Bans believes that a lot can be done today to improve sports. The need for specific changes in the coaching framework is crucial before anything else. The decreasing interest in sports due to the lack of changes in coaching methods poses a threat to the sports world. Football sports at the community level should receive support and assistance from the government to maintain their relevance. If we aspire to make our mark in the football world, then a comprehensive focus on nurturing sports at the grassroots level through academies is essential. Instead of mere announcements, practical work and dedicated attention should be given to implementing these ideas.
If we need to discuss Sardar Satwant Singh Bans from two perspectives, it can be said that they have diligently fulfilled their responsibilities with honesty and distinction, from being a coach to the position of Deputy Director, and have always been proactive in bringing improvements to the football world. They have received several prestigious awards, including recognition at the Silver Jubilee ceremony of the Principal Harbhajan Singh Tournament and other notable events. Even though they have relocated to Canada along with their family, their spirit remains deeply involved in the energetic activities of Mahilpur. Their desire is to transform Mahilpur into a sought-after city in India, attracting tourists from all around the world.