The moment the coach blew the whistle at Surjit Hockey Stadium in Burlton Park, 12-year-old Naunidh Singh sprinted across the turf with determination in his eyes. Hailing from Mithapur village, the young boy was perhaps among the youngest participants at the Khelo India State Centre of Excellence trials held in Jalandhar on Saturday.Naunidh, the son of a tailor, gave his best during the trials, carrying a dream close to his heart, to become a hockey player like Indian international star player Mandeep Singh, who also belongs to Mithapur.While the overall participation in the trials for athletics and boxing remained low, nearly 100 young players turned up for hockey from different districts including Jalandhar, Nawanshar, Faridkot, Amritsar and Gurdaspur.Many players, accompanied by their parents, began their journeys before sunrise to reach the venue on time. Some families reportedly started travelling as early as 4.30 am, reflecting the passion and hope attached to the opportunity.Among those waiting patiently at the stadium, was 11-year-old Dripti, who had accompanied her mother to watch her brother participate in the trials. She is scheduled to appear for the girls’ trials on May 24.Dripti’s mother, Anuradha, who works as a domestic helper, said sports could change the future of her children.“I want my children to live a dignified life through sports and achieve something big – not struggle like us,” she said emotionally.Meanwhile, athletics and boxing trials were conducted at the Government Arts and Sports College in Jalandhar. Young boxer Gurtejbir Singh, 12, travelled from Amritsar with his paternal uncle after leaving home at 6 am to attend the selection process.The trials also turned into a learning experience for many participants. Coaches were seen guiding players on techniques and skills during the sessions, while youngsters eagerly absorbed instructions and attempted to improve on the spot.Dr Bir Singh Yadav, High Performance Director of the Khelo India State Centre of Excellence, said the participating athletes showed immense promise. “The players participating in the trials are very talented and that potential is clearly visible,” he said.Trials for girls in hockey, athletics and boxing will be conducted on May 24.The Khelo India State Centre of Excellence in Jalandhar, the only such centre in Punjab, aims to identify and nurture grassroots talent by providing professional coaching, scientific training, sports equipment and residential facilities to selected athletes.