Former Indian hockey internationals Rupinder Pal Singh, Gurwinder Singh Chandi, and Jugraj Singh have traded the turf for floodwaters, actively participating in relief and rescue operations in Punjab's Gurdaspur district amid one of the state's worst floods. Over 1,900 villages across 23 districts are inundated, with more than 40 fatalities and 3.5 lakh people affected by heavy rains and river overflows since August.

Now serving as police officers—Jugraj as SP HQ, Rupinder as Assistant Commissioner (Under Training), and Chandi as DSP Kalanaur—the trio is coordinating with BSF, Army, NDRF, and local teams. Jugraj, a 2001 Junior World Cup hero whose career was cut short by a 2003 accident, emphasized teamwork: "Rescue was priority, followed by rations, medicines, and medical camps to prevent disease outbreaks." He noted sports-honed skills like quick decision-making aid in crises: "A player sees ups and downs, making him mentally strong."

Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Rupinder, with 125 goals in 223 caps (2010-2021), described evacuating 1,500 people from Ravi riverbank villages like Makora and Jago Chak. A harrowing incident involved rescuing a family from a rooftop amid overflowing waters: "We reached them by boat against the current; NDRF's encouragement kept us going." He reported no human deaths in his area but significant livestock losses, with local youth stepping up after learning of his hockey fame.

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Chandi, a 2012 London Olympian with 97 caps, highlighted community support in incidents like treating a snake bite, facilitating a wedding, and aiding a pregnant woman's safe delivery. "Teamwork is key; many hands are helping," he said.

Jugraj warned of post-flood challenges: "Crops are destroyed; it'll take 1.5-2 years to restore farmlands. Resettling the homeless is the real test." The athletes' involvement underscores athletes' broader societal roles, blending discipline and empathy in disaster response. 

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