The close-knit community of Nathowal village in Ludhiana district recently came together in a heartwarming ceremony to celebrate two of their own, a power couple whose dedication to sports has brought laurels at the highest levels. Gurdeep Singh Buttar and his wife Navdeep Kaur Buttar were publicly honoured by village elders, local MLA Hakam Singh, and block president Mansa Khan for their outstanding contributions and achievements in the field of sports.
Gurdeep Singh Buttar: From Village Grounds to World Masters Gold
The journey for Gurdeep began on the humble fields of his village, where he first picked up a hockey stick at the tender age of 7 or 8. His initial coach was none other than his father, Balwant Singh, who himself served as a coach for Hockey Indian services teams across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This strong foundation set the stage for a lifelong passion.
Gurdeep balanced his academic and athletic pursuits with excellence. He completed both his graduation and post-graduation from Patiala and showcased his sporting prowess by participating six times each in the senior national games and university games. Today, he holds a prestigious position as the Principal Accountant General in Kolkata.
His most recent accomplishment has elevated his legacy further. Gurdeep represented India in the 40-plus category at the World Masters Games and Asian Championship held in Hong Kong from November 26 to 30. Competing against the best veterans from across the globe, he displayed exceptional skill and determination to clinch the coveted gold medal for the country.
Navdeep Kaur Buttar: A Stalwart in Netball for Haryana and India
Standing proudly beside him is his wife, Navdeep Kaur Buttar, who has carved her own distinguished path in sports. Currently serving as a Physical Assistant Teacher in the Education Department of Haryana, Navdeep is a force to reckon with in netball.
Her resume is decorated with participation in numerous prestigious national-level competitions. She has represented Haryana in inter-university tournaments and all-India inter-zonal events. Her talent took her to the international stage where she competed in the South Asian Championship and the Asian Netball Championship.
In a significant milestone in 2024, Navdeep participated in the Asian Netball Championship, representing the Indian team in the esteemed role of vice-captain. This leadership position underscores her experience and standing in the sport.
A Proud Moment for the Family and Village
The honour ceremony at their residence was an emotional event for the Buttars. Speaking about the recognition, Gurdeep shared, "My wife and I were honoured at our residence by MLA Hakam Singh, block president Mansa Khan and the villagers. It was a proud moment for our family to get honoured by the village elders."
Echoing the sentiment, Navdeep Kaur expressed her joy, stating, "In 2024, I participated in Asian Netball Championship and represented the Indian team as vice-captain. It was a pleasure moment to be honoured in my own village."
The story of Gurdeep and Navdeep is not just about individual accolades; it is a testament to discipline, perseverance, and the supportive role of family and community. Their achievements serve as a powerful inspiration for young athletes in Nathowal and across Punjab, proving that with dedication, one can excel on the world stage while staying rooted in one's origins.
