'To play hockey meant to live a good life'

Captain Pargat Singh is chaired off by team mates and fans after India defeated the Soviet Union 3-0 in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia on August 03, 1991.

Hockey has had a great tradition in India. It may not be the national game officially but it has always been close to the hearts of the hockey lovers.

In Punjab, every family ought to have had a hockey player. I was inspired by a rich legacy of hockey players from Punjab. To play hockey meant to live a good life. It is a robust game and I have enjoyed every moment of my playing career.

I must document the huge contribution of

Sportstar towards popularising the game and also providing the support to players. I can’t forget the joy I had when I was featured on the cover of the magazine. It was a big thing those days to get such a mention in the best sports magazine I have known.

I wish Sportstar the best for having completed 40 years.

(As told to Vijay Lokapally)