CHICAGO: Punjab Sports and Cultural Club continued its annual tradition of celebrating the game of Kabaddi on Sunday, July 2 with a heavy presence from Kabaddi lovers, not only from Chicago but also from neighboring States of Indiana and Wisconsin.
This was yet another successful “Punjabi Mela” that witnessed attendance of over 5000 members, guests and enthusiasts. This 17th International entertainment and sport event of Kabaddi and Volleyball tournament was held at Busse Woods Forest Preserve, Elk Grove Village, Illinois. During this populous family oriented mega event, people enjoyed complimentary admission, food, mehndi application, and competitive traditional sports. Tournaments kicked off after traditional opening prayer (Ardaas) ceremony by Palatine Granthi Bhai Mohinder Singh.
The Guests of Honor at the program were Dr. S P Singh Oberoi, Amolak Singh Gakhal, Sardar Manjeet Singh(Canada), Sardar Jaspreet Singh (Attorney of Law), Consul General of India Ms. Neeta Bhushan and Congressman Raja Krihnamoorthy Sardar Amrik Singh, President Punjab Sports and Cultural Club applauded the hard work and determination of the teams that participated in the tournament. This was followed by the award ceremony with grand musical performances by prominent Punjabi singers.
The event reflected rich Punjabi traditions and heritage of sport, food and music.
Competing teams hailed from the States of Wisconsin, Indiana, New York, Texas, Illinois, Virginia, Washington and Michigan. Final championship match was between Seattle and Yuba City. After intense competition, Seattle beat Yuba City by 39 to 23 points. Both teams in the finales gave very hard competition to each other and in the end Seattle team finished on the top of the podium by grabbing the champions title.
Besides Kabaddi, there were volleyball matches too in which five teams participated and Tony Sanghera’s team from Chicago was the winner. Second place winner prize went to Yuba City Team. The tournament was sponsored and awarded by Ghuman Brothers.
The First prize was awarded to the winning team Punjab Sports Club Seattle, the 2nd Prize was awarded to Yuba Brothers, Yuba City, California. Sultan Singh Sounspuria was declared the best raider and the best Jaffee Best Raider title was awarded to Pala Jalalpuria. The commentary was facilitated by Makhan Ali from Surrey, Canada and Surjit Kakrali.
Special Guest for the evening was Darshan Singh Dhaliwal. Mr. Dhaliwal, famous successful entrepreneur, is son of a Sikh farmer from a little-known village in Punjab. He is now the one of the largest petroleum dealers and retailer established in the Midwest region. He is a prominent community leader and Grand sponsor of the event. Presentation of appreciation plaques to the winners and various contributors of the event for their moral and financial support, which was pivotal in the execution of the event were awarded.
Punjab Sports & Cultural Club Chicago Members present were President, Sardar Amrik Singh (Chicago), Vice President: Sardar Gurmeet Singh Bhola, Finance Secretary Sardar Amrit Pal Singh Sangha, S. Jaskaran Singh Dhaliwal, S. Narinder Singh Sra, S. Harvinder Singh Billa, S. Lovedeep Singh Dulat, S. Amrik Singh Amar Carpets, S. Gurmeet Singh Bhola, S. Rajinder Singh Dayal, S. Lucky Sahota, S. Hardeep Singh Gill, S. Manminder Singh Heer, S. Gurpreet Singh Gill, S. Gian Singh Shera.
Overall, the event was a great success and all guests raved about the wonderful organization of the unforgettable event.
The next big sports event everyone is waiting for will be held on Labor Day weekend on Sept. 3 Sunday hosted by Sher-e-Punjab Sports and Cultural Club Chicago.
Suresh Bodiwala
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