Two things, among others, that really define Gurdaspur are its religious sites and its proximity to the International Border. Unfortunately, what remains largely unknown is the remarkable number of outstanding gymnasts the city produced till recently. However, a two-year hiatus followed, during which good gymnasts, or potential national-level participants became a rare commodity due to an assortment of reasons.

One day, former gymnast Jio Lal Bagga walked into the Gymnasium Hall and was disheartened to learn that Gurdaspur no longer served as the conveyor belt for top-class gymnasts as it had before 2023.

The city’s lack of a vibrant sports culture reflected from the fact that very few know about Vir Singh, one of India’s top gymnasts, who hailed from Gurdaspur. In 1952, he qualified for

See Full Page