by We Are Sikhs — August 24, 2019
"I believe in the value of hard work. I believe that with patience and faith in God, anything is possible. Constantly wanting to better myself and grow as an individual is something that drives me to be better everyday."
Angad Singh is a nineteen-year-old turbaned Sikh who plays college basketball at Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland. He is from Philadelphia and in this blog he shares how he got involved in sports, how Sikhi has impacted him, and his advice to other young Sikhs who wish to get involved in sports.
NSC: How did you get involved in sports?
AS: I started playing sports because I come from a family of athletes. My father played field hockey and soccer. My mom was a competitive softball player and is a licensed physician. My older sister Amrit just graduated from Dartmouth after being on their Field Hockey team for four years. My whole family played and it inspired me. I played soccer, football, baseball, and basketball growing up. A lot of my friends played sports too and it got me into it as well.
What are your values, what motivates you?
I believe in the value of hard work. I believe that with patience and faith in God, anything is possible. Constantly wanting to better myself and grow as an individual is something that drives me to be better everyday. I have younger cousins who love playing basketball and look up to me so I have to lead the way for them because they’re family. I want to make my family and community proud and be a difference maker in my community.
How does your Sikh background reflect into your young career?
It gives me a sense of self - I know I can always turn to Gurbani whenever I need guidance. Sikhi is my way of life and I live by it. Remembering who I am will always help me in my life because I remember the ideals Sikhi was built on. To give back, make an honest living, be humble, and to always pray to Waheguru. It also teaches me to be fearless in my life and my endeavors. There are countless examples of being fearless and how it resonates in Sikhs everywhere. Being an Amritdhari Sikh I have constant reminders of who I am and what that represents and the standard I have to live up to.
What advice you would give to other young Sikhs trying to pursue sports?
It takes hard work and patience. It’s a lot of late nights in the gym, early mornings in the weightroom, and hot afternoons on the track.Some advice I would give is to never give up. Always remember who you are and don’t lose that identity because that is what makes you special. Remember to be humble because there is someone else ready to take your spot if you let up. You can grind for 4 years and the break through in year 5. All it takes is an opportunity and you have to take it and run with it.
What are some future plans or aspirations you have?
I want to play basketball for as long as I can and at the highest level that I can. I also want to graduate with a degree in economics and eventually attend graduate school.At some point, I want to get into coaching basketball or training and working with basketball players. Other than that I want to continue growing and get closer to my Sikhi and have a family.
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