Battle of Walong Shines Hockey Legends Against Chinese Ambush

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Hockey Goalkeeper Havildar Kirpa Ram Tamed Panther in 1962 Battle of Walong

By Col (Retd) Balbir Singh

The Army has a logistic tail, which was traditionally referred to as ‘Followers’ in campaigns, and they were also described as tradesmen, now carry weapons and practice firing regularly. In good units, like the Saragarhi Battalion, a desire to be a part of action has always been there, even among this lot.

For example, Daad, in 1897, was a sweeper by trade but an equally valiant fighter in combat. A few members of this intrepid lot also excelled in the sports arena.

Havildar Kirpa Ram of 4 SIKH was an ace shooter and master at basic infantry tactics as he voluntarily took part in all training. He was a man blessed with exceptional leadership qualities, and these were particularly evident on the hockey field, whom I had seen playing as a young boy of 10 years in Jalandhar Cantonment in the Services Hockey Championship in 1956.

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Like on the hockey field, he took charge and fought like a man possessed during the Battle of Walong against the Chinese in 1962. Kirpa Ram was the one who had tamed and looked after the unit mascot, Rani, a female Panther.

She followed him like a lamb, and if Kirpa Ram was to be believed, he was the reason 4 SIKH got the grades it did in inspections. He would feed meat to the cub, buying from outside when it was not available in the langar. The cub was taken by him and chained, with an iron mask on its face, whenever he went for game practice.

He belonged to Village Birring in Jalandhar Cantonment, about 3 kilometres from Sansarpur. Later, his son Ram Murthy, who joined the BSF hockey team, represented the national hockey team in 1969 at the Bombay International Hockey tournament.

Kirpa Ram was known for his ready loyalty, selfless service and humour in the battalion, cheered by one and all in the regiment and as well as in the SIKH Regimental Centre. While playing the goalkeeper of the hockey team, he was called the dependable goalkeeper, being the last line of defence.

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The Battle of Walong in 1962 revealed Kirpa Ram’s unwavering bravery and resourcefulness. Despite being classified as a non-combatant, he willingly participated in combat operations and courageously supplied ammunition to the frontlines.

When faced with a Chinese ambush, he fearlessly led his team, enduring injuries as they pushed through the enemy’s grip. When the company faced heavy casualties and made the difficult decision to retreat, Kirpa Ram volunteered to stay behind with the rear party—a group predominantly composed of unit sportsmen tasked with safeguarding the withdrawal.

Amid mounting pressure and dwindling ammunition, Kirpa Ram fearlessly rallied the team for a daring counterattack. Charging out of the trenches with bayonets in hand, they engaged the Chinese forces despite the overwhelming odds.

Tragically, the entire rear party, including Kirpa Ram, sacrificed their lives in the fierce and heroic action. Their selfless determination paved the way for the remaining survivors of the company to escape the clutches of the enemy.

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The Battle of Walong left an indelible mark on 4 SIKH, with the loss of numerous sportsmen, including five national-level medallists. Amid the heartache, Kirpa Ram’s gallantry shone brightly, earning him the posthumous recognition of the Vir Chakra—an esteemed honour usually reserved for combatants.

His unwavering spirit and exceptional leadership continue to inspire others, leaving an enduring legacy that echoes through time. Kirpa Ram’s extraordinary journey serves as a timeless reminder to all who follow in his footsteps to strive for courage, selflessness, and unwavering commitment in the face of adversity.

Invariably, the tradesmen have one request—that the letter sent to their home address should mention only their rank and not include their trades, as it is customary to write Havildar (Boot Maker), and Havildar Kirpa Ram was very particular about it, being a Services-level hockey player.

‘It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived’.

Excerpted from An Olympian’s Tryst with Soldiering: From Sansarpur to the Saragarhi Battalion (4 Sikh) with permission from The Browser

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