Avtar Singh Bhurji’s Journey Through Hockey and Beyond

And what a momentous journey it was, from Jalandhar, India, to Munich via Kampala, Uganda.

Avtar Singh Bhurji epitomizes the rich Indian heritage and hockey legacy, albeit under the Ugandan flag. Born in the village of Bika in Jalandhar, India, Bhurji migrated to Uganda within the same year. His passion for field hockey intensified as he transitioned from childhood to adulthood.

“I always had good hand-eye coordination.”

Avtar Bhurji’s journey into the world of sports was ignited by his elder brother, Resham S Bhurji, a formidable athlete. From a young age, Avtar’s fascination with athletics was sparked by his father’s bicycle gift upon completing junior school—a symbol of early aspirations that went beyond mere play. “I always had good hand-eye coordination,” Avtar reminisced, reflecting on his formative years where football and track sprinting, particularly the 100 meters and 200 meters, showcased his budding talent. Amidst these pursuits, hockey emerged as a joyful pastime, initially enjoyed for its spirited camaraderie.

It was in senior school that Avtar’s affinity for hockey flourished. Inspired by his school captain and idol, Dr Rajinder Sandhu, he swiftly earned a coveted spot on the school team—a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of his dedicated pursuit of the sport.

Avtar seamlessly transitioned his athletic passions across borders after venturing to England for higher education. “My friend in England introduced me to a local hockey club,” Avtar recounted, illustrating how his prowess on the field earned him a place in the club’s first eleven while his friend played alongside him in the third team.

In a long nostalgic discussion with TSC’s Ravi Mandapaka, Bhurji reflected on his early days on the hockey field. He attributed his position as a left-half to the astute observation of his coach in England, who recognized his defensive prowess and ability to swiftly transition play to his team’s advantage. “I started at Left Half due to my coach in England,” Avtar recalled with a nod to his mentor’s pivotal role in shaping his playing style. “Players could not pass me on my left side, and I could easily get the ball to my strong side and start a move.”

Avtar vividly recalled the dynamic interplay among diverse communities—Sikhs, Muslims, Europeans, Goans, and Africans—all converging on the field twice a year in spirited matches. “The Hockey scene was dominated by Sikhs, followed by Groans and Muslims,” Avtar reminisced, his voice laced with nostalgia for the fervor and skill that characterized these encounters. “I grew up watching them play and tried to emulate their techniques at the school level.”

Avtar vividly recalled the dynamic interplay among diverse communities

Upon returning to Uganda from England, Avtar’s integration into the esteemed Sikh Union Hockey Club marked a watershed moment in his career. “Most of my school friends were at the club,” Avtar recounted, reflecting on the seamless transition that fuelled their dominance in local tournaments and leagues. “We were the best team at the time, winning all tournaments and leagues with a blend of camaraderie and competitive spirit.”

Among his many cherished memories, Avtar holds a game close to his heart—an exhilarating showdown against Germany at their local stadium, witnessed by a crowd of 1000 spectators. “At the start, I was nervous,” Avtar admitted, recalling the moment’s intensity. “But after a couple of good tackles, my confidence soared, and I began to assert myself on the field.” His skill and determination earned the crowd’s admiration as he outplayed his opponents, embodying the essence of Ugandan hockey prowess on an international stage.

Avtar Bhurji vividly recalls the exhilaration and honour of representing Uganda at the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics. The Ugandan hockey team began amidst obscurity, overshadowed by the attention lavished on the track and field star Ake, who set a new world record in the 400 meters. However, fate intervened during their match against West Germany, where Avtar and his team delivered a standout performance.

“We went to Munich as an unknown team,” Avtar reminisced. “No one noticed us initially, but people began to take notice when we led against West Germany, only for them to score in the last second. We were the only team to draw with West Germany, who eventually clinched the Gold medal.”

Avtar’s exceptional performance on the field did not go unnoticed, earning him accolades from his team and the legendary hockey coach R S Gentle. “I was voted the best player in that game by my team and R S Gentle,” Avtar recalled proudly. “Gentle was a master tactician, always having a solid game plan. His praise, particularly comparing me favourably to Indian hockey stalwarts, remains a cherished memory.”

“Today’s competition is tougher than ever.”

Returning to Uganda after the Olympics, Avtar and his family faced challenging circumstances under the political regime of Idi Amin. “The political situation was tumultuous,” Avtar recounted. “As our family business dealt with government contracts, we had to navigate difficult decisions. Ultimately, we had to leave Uganda, with my father relocating to Nairobi to restart our lives.” Avtar continued his hockey journey in London, playing for Blackheath HC and Surrey County. His leadership extended to captaining the London Indians for six years, aiming to promote Asian players in the local hockey scene. “Moving to Nairobi in 1978 was a pivotal decision,” Avtar noted. “Joining Nairobi Gymkhana as a player, captain, and coach brought success with a team comprising nine internationals.”

Reflecting on hockey’s evolution, Avtar admired the shifting standards and intense competition in contemporary times. “The landscape has changed significantly,” Avtar observed. The competition is tougher than ever, with advancements in pitch technology, fitness regimes, and overall team strength altering the dynamics of the sport.”

 After severe medical issues ended his playing career, Avtar found renewed purpose and fulfillment in coaching. “A friend recognized my knack for reading the game and breaking down technical skills,” Avtar explained. “Encouraged by this, I pursued coaching and eventually completed my Level 4 course as a hockey coach.” His coaching career spanned various levels, from National league teams to regional squads and youth development. Recalling his coaching journey, Avtar finds immense satisfaction in witnessing the growth of his players and the impact of his coaching expertise on their performance.

He has witnessed the evolution of the sport across the decades.

As a seasoned player and coach who has witnessed the evolution of field hockey across different eras, Avtar Bhurji highlighted several pivotal changes. “The transition from natural grass to AstroTurf stands out as a game-changer,” Avtar noted. “It has significantly altered the game’s dynamics, emphasizing speed, technical precision, and endurance.”

Elaborating on how this shift influenced India’s playing style and performance, “AstroTurf has been a setback for Indian hockey,” Avtar opined. “There’s a need to adapt playing styles to leverage the surface effectively. Indians tend to overuse skills in less effective areas, leading to turnovers. The focus should shift towards playing one-touch passes, transferring the ball swiftly across the field, and maintaining possession longer.”

Avtar discussed tactical innovations in modern hockey, emphasizing the implications of rolling substitutions. “Rolling substitutions enhance game momentum and strategic flexibility,” he explained. “However, teams must maintain squad depth and balance to avoid pitfalls. The game’s scientific approach reveals players peak for only four minutes at a time, shaping tactical decisions and strategies.”

 Avtar commented on the evolving rules and their impact.

Musing on his illustrious career, Avtar Bhurji humbly attributes his success to his teammates’ support and fans’ admiration. “I am blessed to have met many wonderful people,” Avtar shared. “The love and compliments from young and old are my greatest achievements.” He cherishes moments like being voted the best player of the tournament in Spain and participating in the 1972 Olympics, which he views as significant milestones in his career.

When asked about the most significant players and coaches he has encountered, Avtar Bhurji lists legends who have left an indelible mark on the sport:

• Players: Shahbaz Ahmad and Manzoor Hussain from Pakistan, Ajitpal Singh from India, Dr Rajinder Shandu from Uganda, and Jamie Dwyer from Australia.
• Coaches: Rick Charlesworth, R S Gentle, Harendra Singh, Alison Annan, and Colin Batch.

Avtar Bhurji reflected on the evolution of Indian hockey, highlighting advancements in professionalism and coaching structure. “Indian hockey has made substantial improvements,” he noted. “Coaches now assume full leadership responsibilities akin to European standards,” Bhurji advises young players to prioritize quick passing and ball retention to minimize turnovers, stressing the importance of mastering specialized skills such as drag flicking and strategic play in the scoring circle.

Discussing the future of Indian hockey, Avtar Bhurji advocates for systematic coaching from an early age to accelerate progress. “To reclaim its past success, India should improve infrastructure and coaching methods,” he proposed. “Emphasizing early passing and diverse scoring strategies is crucial while nurturing two to three proficient drag flickers.”