A Lifelong Passion on the Pitch
At 69, Paramjit Singh still rises before dawn to head to the San Francisco Network Distribution Center, where he manages vehicle operations for the U.S. Postal Service. Colleagues know him not only for his reliable dispatch work but also for the stories he tells about a sport that has shaped his life.
Born in the village of Sattowal, India, Singh left home at 22 to work in Germany, a move that introduced him to a more structured hockey environment. He later immigrated to the United States in 1984, settled in the San Francisco Bay Area, and joined the Postal Service in 2002 after starting as a truck driver and moving into dispatch.
Singh’s hockey journey began on dusty fields back home, where he honed his skills as a boy. Competitive play in Germany gave him a platform to showcase his talent, and when he returned to the U.S. he continued to train, eventually earning a spot on the U.S. national team.
His international résumé includes tournaments in Barcelona in 2018, Tokyo in 2022, and a recent match in Nottingham, England, earlier this year. Each appearance has reinforced his belief that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing one’s passions.
Beyond representing his adopted country, Singh devotes time to coaching a local high school team and assisting community clubs, hoping to inspire the next generation of players. He often says that staying active is the secret to a fulfilling life, a philosophy that his wife initially questioned when he signed up for his first World Cup at age 45.
Looking ahead, Singh says he will keep playing until his “last breath,” a testament to his relentless drive and love for the game. His story illustrates how a lifelong hobby can evolve into a global contribution, bridging cultures and generations on the field.