Chandigarh Taekwondo Coach trained 8000 students, churning out national and international sports champions

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Sarbjeet Singh, a 38-year-old Taekwondo coach, with resilience and commitment. In the bustling streets of Chandigarh and the serene town of Mohali, he is a nurturing mentor offering free training in Chandigarh while managing a commercial academy in Roper. He has trained 8000 students through his academy Tokey Taekwondo Club who have participated in national and international games.

Sarbjeet’s career path took several turns before he found his true calling in sports. Initially aspiring for the merchant navy, he later shifted the gears realising that it wasn’t his true calling. After that, he did a few stints in the telecom sector in 2006 in companies like Reliance and Vodafone but failed to satisfy him. He acknowledged that his heart always belonged to the world of sports.

“No matter what I did, my heart always remained in sports”, said Sarbjeet.

Initially influenced by movies like Kickboxer, Bloodsport, The Legend of Drunken Master, Bollywood movie Jigar and movies starring Bruce Lee, he later guided by his mentor Amit Kumar Joshi and Master Atul Pangotra. A Taekwondo athlete Sarbjeet discovered his true calling is in Taekwondo. His mentor’s advice resonated, emphasizing that merely mastering the art wasn’t enough. He quotes his mentor, “One must strive to bring pride to their home, village, state, and country through their skills”.

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Before his transition to a full-time Taekwondo coach, Sarbjeet led a typical middle-class life in India, working a 9-to-5 job with modest pay while pursuing Taekwondo as a passion on an informal level.

Tragedy struck in 2010 when Sarbjeet lost his younger brother, a Taekwondo and Karate coach and a UPSC aspirant. This loss became a turning point for Sarbjeet’s determination to carry forward his brother’s legacy. He began coaching his brother’s students, leaving behind his stable job at Wipro, to train them without charging any fees.

Before the loss, Taekwondo was merely a passion for fitness. However, the heartbreaking incident impacted Sarbjeet to transform his approach towards a professional career in Taekwondo coaching.

Talking about his school days, he explained his time management strategy. He said, “I was equally dedicated to studies and training. I used to follow the 8-8-8 rule, 8 hours for school, 8 hours for sports and 8 hours for sleep and personal things”.

Sarbjeet’s dedication and expertise as a referee have earned him significant milestones.

He emphasizes that Taekwondo coaching is an integral part of his life. “Taekwondo is my passion; I can’t leave coaching behind and live my life,” he shares.

Dedicating his days to training young athletes, he recognizes the significance of an indoor academy, offering flexible training hours.

The journey in Taekwondo begins with the White Belt and progresses through various stages, culminating in the Black Belt, signifying specialization in the renowned martial art known for its kicking and punching techniques.

Sarbjeet’s dedication and expertise as a referee have earned him significant milestones, marking his journey from national to international platforms. In 2018, His involvement as the first Indian Taekwondo referee in the prestigious Grand Prix, introduced by the World Taekwondo Federation in 2018, opened doors for him to numerous international events and seminars.

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The recognition continued as Taekwondo athlete Sarbjeet’s academy Tokey Taekwondo Club received acknowledgement in 2018 and 2019, securing a place among the world’s best Taekwondo academies. Despite the growing support for sports in India through initiatives like Khelo India and Fit India, Sarbjeet highlights the crucial need for financial assistance during a player’s training.

“Taekwondo is a costly game, especially when compared to sports like football,” he notes, highlighting the financial struggles players face with equipment and tournament entry fees.

Talking about the diets, Tokey Taekwondo Club coach and Referee said that he follows strict diet for better athletic energy. “My diet includes Dry Fruits, Dalia, Ghee, Egg (white part), chicken breast, milk, rice and mixed sprouts. I drink plenty of water for better digestion,” tells Sarbjeet.

Sarbjeet and his mentor were selected in the list of top 50 referees all over the world at the Para Olympics 2020, yet the pandemic disrupted their chances.

Sarbjeet Singh’s Tokey Taekwondo Club has trained 8000 students, churning out national and international sports champions.

Sarbjeet’s commitment to Taekwondo has never changed. He briefly explored Karate for two years but was later convinced that no other sport or art could bring him the same satisfaction as Taekwondo.

Sarbjeet attributes his commitment to giving free coaching to his father, who instilled in him the importance of integrity and transparency in teaching.

“I have seen coaches taking extra money more than fees on the pretext of fees. I don’t know what kind of values they have in life,” Sarbjeet says.

Starting his professional journey with a modest salary of Rs. 7500 in the telecom sector, his academies now cater to around 70-80 students, with some receiving free training based on financial constraints. Sarbjeet shares that he has given training to nearly 8000 students so far.

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Students like Rupinder, a three-time national medalist, and others achieving at national levels showcase Sarbjeet’s coaching expertise. He says, “I aspire to establish an indoor stadium for Taekwondo, Right now we don’t have any place. We do our games in basketball and tennis courts”. He reflects his commitment to providing proper training facilities.

Sarbjeet’s mission to popularize Taekwondo and provide financial support for aspiring athletes is evident. He aims to make the sport more accessible and popular across the nation, emphasizing the need for financial support for aspiring athletes.

His recent appointment as the referee chairman of Taekwondo Education University of India in Gujarat is another testament to his dedication.

Sarbjeet Singh stands as a symbol of perseverance, inspiring a new generation of athletes through his dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the sport.