Former Punjab Hockey Player Paramjeet Kumar Lifts Sacks for a Living, Earns Rs 1.25 Per Sack
Paramjeet Kumar, a former state-level Punjab hockey player, now makes a living by lifting sacks, earning just Rs 1.25 per sack. Once a promising athlete, Paramjeet played for the Sports Authority of India, PEPSU, and Punjab teams, winning medals in four junior hockey nationals. He was also named in the Indian junior hockey team in 2007.
Daily Struggle and Determination
“Every day, I load and unload sacks from trucks, earning Rs 1.25 for each sack,” says Paramjeet. “Not many people where I work know about hockey, but when they find out, they pat me on the back. That’s the only reward I’ve received from hockey. At home, I play with my five-year-old son Vikrant, using a plastic hockey stick and ball. I want a better future for him.”
A Career Halted by Injury
In 2012, Paramjeet suffered a severe injury to his left hand, forcing him to leave the game for over a year. Despite a comeback, he eventually left hockey in 2015 and started working as a ‘palledar’ (laborer). He now lives in a rented house with his sister, wife, and son, hoping to secure a job when he meets Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on February 1 in Chandigarh.
Memories of Better Days
“When I was selected for the SAI center in Patiala, I couldn’t afford a hockey kit. But I dreamed of playing for India one day. I played for SAI combined teams in the junior nationals and was chosen for the Junior Asia Cup. I got the blazer, and I couldn’t sleep that night. Sadly, the tournament got canceled. I played with great players like Manpreet Singh, Rupinder Pal Singh, Lalit Upadhayay, and Kothajeet Singh, who always encouraged me.”
Hopes for the Future
“After my injury, it has been tough to make a comeback. Working as a ‘palledar’ at the mandi was my only option to support my family. I hope to return as a player or get a job as a coach. If I achieve that, I can be a good example for my son. Maybe one day, he can play for India, something I couldn’t achieve.”
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