The children of Ghamaur, a village in the Balachaur subdivision of Nawanshahr, have found a new direction through football. Led by retired CRPF Inspector Jaspal Singh, the initiative has brought together children from economically weaker families, many of them previously unfamiliar with the sport.AdvertisementThey now train regularly on the village ground, wearing matching jerseys labelled “Ghamaur 1,” “Ghamaur 2,” and so on—signifying unity, discipline, and hope.Jaspal Singh, who retired in February this year, has dedicated his post-retirement life to guiding children away from the perils of drug addiction by engaging them in sports, particularly football. “I just want the children of my village to stay connected with sports so that drugs can never be part of their lives,” said Jaspal, who is single-handedly funding the initiative.During his service years, Jaspal would often return to Ghamaur during holidays, bringing footballs to stir interest among local kids. What started as a casual attempt to generate curiosity has now evolved into a full-fledged movement. After retirement, he intensified his efforts by making announcements from the village gurdwara and personally visiting homes to persuade parents to send their children to the field.A former football player himself, both during his school days and while serving in the CRPF, Jaspal was also part of his force’s football team and played in several tournaments. Now, alongside his brother Jagdish Singh Sodhi, a retired Punjab Police officer, he trains 30 to 40 children daily—most of them the sons and daughters of daily wage workers.The village ground, once quiet, now resonates each evening with laughter, whistles and the rhythmic thud of footballs. The training sessions not only enhance athletic skills but also instil discipline, teamwork and a sense of purpose among the children.In June, when a summer football camp was organised in Nawanshahr, Jaspal and his brother personally drove the children to the venue and later arranged a tempo traveller to ensure that no child missed out due to logistical challenges. The duo accompanied the kids daily during the entire 30-day camp, reflecting their unwavering commitment.“I have given them proper kits now. They are so happy,” Jaspal shared with The Tribune. To keep their enthusiasm alive and provide them a platform to grow further, he now plans to organise football tournaments in the region.Jaspal’s self-funded mission is more than just about sports. For the children of Ghamaur, football has become a medium of empowerment, a safeguard against drugs, and a hopeful step toward a better future. Through one man’s vision and persistence, a quiet village is scripting a compelling story of change.
CRPF veteran uses football to steer kids off drugs
