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He was the “Kundan” of Malaysian hockey, a man of values who was passionate about the sport, principled in his conduct and thoroughly professional. Plain speaking was his hallmark. He would do anything for hockey and for nurturing young players in the sport he loved deeply.
Sarjit Singh Chaal, also known as Sarjit Singh Kundan, died at 63, leaving his family and countless admirers across the hockey world in mourning. A rare and aggressive form of blood cancer took his life in just over eight weeks.
Sarjit died at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz following a rapid and devastating battle with acute myeloid leukemia.
The word “Kundan,” derived from Sanskrit, means “pure gold” or “refined gold.” It represents value, brilliance and clarity. As a traditional South Asian name, it symbolizes someone precious, radiant and pure, much like gold refined by fire.
Sarjit Singh was a true “Kundan.”
My association with Sarjit dates to 1991, when he captained Malaysia at the Olympic qualifying tournament in Auckland, New Zealand. If India qualified for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, it was largely because of him. Malaysia helped India secure qualification at a tournament in which the Indian team had been facing elimination.
I last met Sarjit in Nairobi during the centenary celebrations of the Sikh Union Club. He was disappointed with the way the Malaysian Hockey Federation treated him after he helped Malaysia qualify for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup.
Some disagreements reportedly involved rituals and practices. Sarjit refused to interfere in matters of religious belief, maintaining that faith and religion were “highly personal and individual” and that no one should attempt to interfere with them.
A no-nonsense man, he would not accept directions that conflicted with his convictions.
Sarjit died while the World Cup for which he helped Malaysia qualify during his final assignment was underway. He had accomplished the goal he set for himself: guiding Malaysia to the sport’s premier international tournament.
An icon of Malaysian hockey, Sarjit represented the country at the 1984 and 1992 Olympic Games.
His most recent achievement came as coach of the Malaysian team that finished fourth at the qualifying tournament in Ismailia, Egypt, securing a berth in the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup.
His wife, Kulwant, and son, Manraj, were by his side during his final moments. Far from the roar of the hockey stadium, he whispered a heartbreaking plea to Kulwant and Vimi: “Do not let me suffer.”
Sarjit left this world with his family, friends, admirers and followers in tears.
It was no age, Sarjit, for you to go.
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