CHICAGO, IL (TIP): Punjab Sports and Cultural Club continued its annual tradition of celebrating the game of Kabaddi along with sumptuous food and cultural programs. On Sunday, July 2nd, 2017, the club organized another very successful “Punjabi Mela” that witnessed over 5500 attendees. This event has record breaking crowd for last decade of any Punjabi event in Midwest. This 17th International entertainment and sport event of Kabaddi and Volleyball tournament was held at Busse Woods Forest Preserve, Elk Grove Village, Illinois USA.
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 Consul General of India, Ms. Neeta Bhushan, Congressman Raja Krishnamurthy, Dr. S P Singh Oberoi, Amolak Singh Gakhal, Sardar Manjeet Singh(Canada), Sardar Jaspreet Singh (Attorney of Law). Ms Bhushan and Mr Krishnamurthy addressed the audience and thanked everyone for joining the celebration. 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 award ceremony with celebrity guest Hans Raj Hans along with live musical performance by famous Punjabi Singers Jasmine Sandlas, Sharry Mann and Rupinder Handa. The event reflected rich Punjabi traditions and heritage of sport, food and music.
The Game of Kabbadi which originated in India is a physical game and requires both mental and physical skill and muscle power, and combines the characteristics of wrestling and rugby. It incorporates skill of self-defense, and quick reflexes of psychoanalysis and counter attack.
Competing teams hailed from the States of Wisconsin, Indiana, New York, Texas, Illinois, Virginia, Washington and Michigan. Final championship match was between Seattle vs Yuba City. After intense competition, Seattle beat Yuba City by the score of 39 points vs. 23 points by losing team from Yuba City. Both teams in 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 5 teams participated and Tony Sanghera’s team from Chicago was the winner. Second place winner prize to Yuba City Team was Sponsored and awarded by Ghuman Brothers.
Other Sponsors of the mega event were Sardar Baldev Singh Salhan, Sardar JPS Khaira, Sardar Paul Singh Khaleel, Dr Bhupinder Singh Saini and Sardar Jagir Singh Sabzimandi from New York. First prize was sponsored and awarded by Sardar Darshan Singh Dhaliwal (Bulk Petroleum) to the winning team Punjab Sports Club Seattle and the team sponsors were Mohna Jodhan, Bratty Gill, Sandeep Gurna. The 2nd Prize was awarded to Yuba Brothers, Yuba City, California and the Team Sponsor was Davinder Nijjar. 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 Mr. Makhan Ali from Surrey, Canada and Mr. Surjit Kakrali.
After sport tournaments, social and entertainment “Mela” commenced attended bulky crowd and presence of various prominent community leaders including sponsors of event. Special Guests 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 dealer and retailer established in the Midwest region. He is a prominent community leader and Grand sponsors 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. 3rd Sunday hosted by Sher-e- Punjab Sports and Cultural Club Chicago.
(Photographs and Press release / Asian Media USA)