Sunday October 7, 2012

Mum’s sacrifices pay off as Kelvinder graduates from UM

KUALA LUMPUR: National hockey player Kelvinder Singh’s father, Makbul Singh, died in a road accident 13 years ago, leaving his mother Narenjit Kaur to work and support the family.

Yesterday, the 56-year-old Narenjit’s sacrifices paid off as she watched with pride and joy when her eldest son Kelvinder graduated with a degree in Sports Science from University Malaya.

Kelvinder, who lives in Bangsar, received the degree from Pro-Chancellor University Malaya Tan Sri Datuk Seri Siti Norma Yaakob at a convocation.

Well done: Kelvinder Singh getting a hug from his mother Narenjit Kaur after his graduation ceremony at University Malaya yesterday.

Narenjit shed tears of joy, kissed her Kelvinder’s cheeks and thanked God for giving her the strength to take care of her two sons after her husband died in 1999.

Kelvinder’s younger brother, Harwinder, is also a hockey player. The brothers are representing KL Hockey Club (KLHC) in the on-going Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).

“I have two lovely sons and I am proud of them both,” said proud mum Narenjit.

“I hope Kelvinder will get a job soon ... I also wish he will be called up to play for the national team.”

The 26-year-old Kelvinder thanked his mother for all her sacrifices for him and his brother.

“I couldn’t have obtained a degree and be a national hockey player if not for my mother ... she inspires me to do well in both my studies and sports,” said Kelvinder, who took six years to get his degree.

“It wasn’t easy for her to raise two children after my dad passed away but my mother is our pillar of strength. We would not be what we are today if not for her.

“I want to thank my mother and I promise I’ll take care of her for the rest of my life. I also want to thank all my varsity mates and lecturers for helping me in my studies,” added Kelvinder, who was voted the most promising player in the Junior World Cup in Rotterdam, Holland, in 2005.

kelvinder, who was dejected at his last-minute omission from the Olympic qualifying tournament in Dublin in March, is hoping to get a recall.

New national coach Paul Revington is set to call up 30 players for training tomorrow.

Kelvinder’s immediate target is to help KLHC retain the TNB Cup.

KLHC are virtually in the final after hammering Maybank 6-0 in the semi-finals, first-leg on Thursday.

More News