Army officer working in remote areas of Punjab initiating sports revolution at grassroot level silently

The movement is initiated with an aim to combat youth drug addiction through organized sports, transforming hundreds of lives and creating opportunities for national-level athletic achievement

Rakesh Thapliyal

New Delhi: An inspiring sports revolution is quietly unfolding at the grassroots level in Faridkot, Kotkapura and Jaito districts of Punjab, largely due to the tireless efforts of one army officer working with communities and local populace.

The movement is initiated with an aim to combat youth drug addiction through organized sports, transforming hundreds of lives and creating opportunities for national-level athletic achievement.

Key Contributions

Talent Scouting: During his tenure with Indian Army Mission Olympics Colonel Amanpreet Singh Gill scouted and selected elite sportsmen for Indian Armed Forces like marathon runner Ram baboo, High Jumper Sarvesh Kushare, boxer Jasmine Lamboria and Shakshi Dahiya, shooter Preeti Rajak and wrestlers like Reetika Hooda and Priyanka. Now in Faridkot he is conducting scouting at grassroot level for wrestling, basketball, hockey, athletics and weightlifting.

Infrastructure Development. The Indian army has recently established a Fencing and Archery node alongside an indoor shooting range at Faridkot under supervision of Colonel Amanpreet Singh Gill with the aim to provide a platform for the young children to live their dream of becoming future sports icons.

Mentorship and Coaching: A pool of coaches and mentors has been made that provide disciplined training that redirected the energies of these youth from addiction to digital gadgets to healthy athletic pursuits, resulting in a marked increase in sports engagement.

Grassroots Impact

Career Opportunities: The sports revolution catalyzed real social mobility, in 2024 his trained students came first in district and won six bronze medals in their maiden appearance at state championship while in 2025 four youth from Army Public School, Faridkot won four bronze medals in under 14 state championship at Patiala this year, while the children trained under him are dominating the district games.

Kayaking and Canoeing Team: He is also mentoring the Indian Army Kayaking and canoeing team as experienced national champion himself. His selected athletes have made name for themselves at national and international level.

Community Transformation: The coordinated efforts of army officers and local government created a role model effect, fostering pride, discipline, and unity across the community.

Inspiring Local Aspirations: In regions with limited exposure, these silent initiatives are sowing the seeds for long-term impact – promoting health, unity, and confidence. By fostering competition and camaraderie, the officer is not just building athletes, but shaping better citizens. His commitment resonates well with the national vision for sport, demonstrating how ground-level work can lead to outstanding transformation.

Silent Leadership

Low-profile Approach: Rather than seeking recognition, officers like Colonel Amanpreet Singh Gill have worked quietly, enlisting the help of local civil administration, fellow villagers, teachers, and the Panchayat to sustain growth and positive change through sports.

Long-term Vision: These initiatives illustrate how dedicated service, combined with sports infrastructure and mentorship, can silently spark a grassroots transformation with lasting results across Punjab.

Far from bustling stadiums and media glare, this officer has quietly dedicated himself to building sports infrastructure-organizing friendly matches, mentoring young talent, and engaging local communities. Though working in some of India’s most challenging terrains, his efforts are helping unlock the sporting potential in places where opportunity is rare, but enthusiasm and passion run deep.

The success story at Faridkot exemplifies how an army officer working in a remote area can bring about powerful change, inspiring similar revolutions and becoming a beacon for positive youth engagement through sports.

Such efforts often go unnoticed, modestly tucked away behind the nation’s lines of defense. Yet, they represent the true spirit of service. The officer stands as an unsung hero, quietly empowering youth, bridging gaps, and strengthening the roots of Indian sport—so one day, the champions from remote villages may stand tall across the nation.