Punjab's nine Tokyo Olympics hockey medalists appointed as DSP & PCS by CM Bhagwant Mann

By Saurabh Duggal

In a significant move reflecting the commitment to sports, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab has fulfilled the promise of providing Class-1 officer positions to the state's nine Tokyo Olympics medalist hockey players. The decision aligns with the new sports policy, showcasing the government's recognition of the athletes' exceptional achievements.

Manpreet Singh, the captain of the Indian hockey team during the Tokyo Olympics, has already been working as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in the Punjab Police. The remaining nine medalists are also set to receive their appointment letters today at the Chief Minister's residence.

The state government has offered the Olympic medalists a choice between joining the Punjab Civil Services (PCS) or serving as DSPs. Out of the nine players, Simranjeet Singh, Rupinderpal Singh, Gurjant Singh, and Hardik Singh have opted for PCS roles, while Harmanpreet Singh, Varun Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh, and Shamsher Singh have chosen to contribute to law enforcement as DSPs.

This move comes after a prolonged 41-year Olympic medal drought in hockey was finally broken by the Indian men's hockey team, winning a historic bronze at the rescheduled 2020 Tokyo Olympics held in 2021. The Manpreet-led squad beat Germany to win bronze, marking a triumphant moment for Indian hockey.

Punjab played a pivotal role in this achievement, contributing the highest number of players, with ten athletes from the state forming a significant part of the 18-member bronze-medal-winning squad.

Notably, the commitment to provide Class-1 jobs for these hockey players was initially pledged by the then Chief Minister of Punjab, Captain Amarinder Singh. However, despite the assurance, the promise remained unfulfilled during the tenure of the Congress government. The change in leadership within the Congress government, with Charanjit Singh Channi assuming the role of CM, also did not materialize the commitment.

Now, after nearly two and a half years since the Tokyo Olympics, CM Bhagwant Mann has honored the promise, offering Class-1 officer positions to Olympics medalists.

Shot putter Tejinder Toor & cricketer Harmanpreet Kaur has also been appointed DSP.