Mahilpur, often referred to as the cradle of football in Punjab, is celebrating a moment of pride as New Zealand footballer Sarpreet Singh prepares to compete on football’s biggest stage, as reported by The Tribune.
The excitement surrounding his selection for the FIFA World Cup has spread beyond international borders to his maternal village of Dhada Khurd in Hoshiarpur district, where his family roots continue to be cherished despite decades of living abroad.
According to The Tribune, Sarpreet’s achievement has sparked celebrations in the village, with residents embracing the success of a player they still consider one of their own.
The connection between the footballer and his ancestral homeland remains strong, largely due to the efforts of his family, who have maintained close ties with Punjab over the years.
Following confirmation of Sarpreet’s place in New Zealand’s World Cup squad, his mother, Sarabjit Kaur, reached out to retired school principal Sukhchain Singh, a longtime family associate, requesting that prashad be distributed at the village gurdwara as a gesture of gratitude.
As reported by The Tribune, before her son departed for the prestigious tournament, she once again requested that an Ardas be performed at the gurdwara, seeking blessings for his journey and success on the world stage.
Her contribution to the local football community extended beyond religious observances. In a heartfelt gesture aimed at encouraging the next generation of athletes, Sarabjit also arranged for sports kits to be sent to approximately 40 young footballers training at the Principal Harbhajan Singh Sporting Club in Mahilpur.
The initiative was intended to inspire aspiring players who dream of following a path similar to Sarpreet’s and to reinforce the importance of dedication and perseverance in sport.
According to The Tribune, Sarpreet Singh’s family moved to New Zealand nearly 35 years ago. Despite building a life overseas, the family has continued to maintain a deep emotional and cultural connection with Punjab.
His father hailed from Jalandhar, and family members have consistently stayed in touch with relatives and friends in the region.
Currently in the United States, where she is supporting her son during the tournament, Sarabjit reflected on the journey that led Sarpreet to international football.
"Sarpreet started playing football when he was just two-and-a-half years old. He began with local clubs, and many members of our family have been involved in sports. Football was always his passion, and he devoted himself completely to the game," she told The Tribune over the phone.
Her remarks highlight the years of commitment and hard work that shaped Sarpreet’s career, beginning with his earliest involvement in grassroots football.
Even though the family has spent decades abroad, Punjab has remained an important part of their identity.
According to The Tribune, Sarabjit has travelled to the state numerous times over the years, while Sarpreet himself visited India around 2017-18 in connection with a football match.
Reflecting on those ties, she said:
"We are very connected to Punjab, and those feelings are there in Sarpreet as well," she said.
The emotional bond between the family and their ancestral village has remained intact despite the geographical distance separating them.
Sukhchain Singh, a retired school principal and close friend of Sarpreet’s maternal grandfather, emphasized that the family has never lost touch with the people of Dhada Khurd.
According to The Tribune, he noted that Sarabjit has consistently remained engaged with the local community and has extended support to those in need.
"Even after moving to New Zealand, Sarpreet’s mother remained in touch with people here and has helped many needy families. When his World Cup selection was confirmed, she immediately wanted to share the happiness with the village,"he said.
For many residents, the family’s continued involvement in village life has made Sarpreet’s success feel personal and deeply meaningful.
The football fraternity in Mahilpur has also embraced the achievement with great enthusiasm.
Dr. Parampreet Kandowal, General Secretary of the Principal Harbhajan Singh Memorial Club, described Sarpreet’s accomplishment as a landmark moment for footballers of Indian origin.
"It is a matter of great pride for Punjabis. Her gesture of sending kits for young players makes this achievement even more meaningful for us," Kandowal said.
According to The Tribune, the sporting community views Sarpreet’s success not only as an individual accomplishment but also as an inspiration for young athletes who aspire to compete at the highest level.
Mahilpur has long enjoyed a reputation as one of Punjab’s most significant football hubs. Generations of players have emerged from the region, earning it recognition as the cradle of football in the state.
Principal Parvinder Singh of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa College, Mahilpur, which is affiliated with the sporting club, highlighted the importance of Sarpreet’s connection to the area.
"Mahilpur has been known as the cradle of football in Punjab for generations. Sarpreet Singh’s connection with this region is a source of immense pride," he said.
He also pointed to the impact such achievements can have on aspiring athletes.
"For the young footballers who received the kits, Sarpreet’s story is proof that dedication can take a player to the sport’s biggest stage," he added.
As Sarpreet Singh prepares to represent New Zealand at the FIFA World Cup, celebrations continue in Dhada Khurd and across Mahilpur. For local residents, his journey represents far more than international sporting success.
According to The Tribune, the footballer’s achievements have become a source of collective pride for a community that continues to cherish its connection to him and his family.
While the world watches Sarpreet compete on football’s grandest platform, the people of his maternal village will be cheering with special enthusiasm—not only for a World Cup player, but for someone they proudly regard as one of their own.