VANCOUVER, BC: British Columbia’s capital Vancouver proved to be a Waterloo for the American Kabaddi team which had earlier defeated UK Kabaddi team at Yuba City and Fresno in California on May 13 & 14 1990. Nobody not even UK team had ever imagined that they will avenge their marginal defeat of northern California with a crushing defeat in Canada. This surprising topsy-turvy result left the spectators totally perplexed.

‘This stunning victory of UK team surprised the people, when the fancied USA team having Phudoo Mangi and Neki (All from India) in their fold played against a demoralized UK team on May 21,90 in the inaugural international Kabaddi tournament organized by Khalsa Diwan Society Ross Street Vancouver after the successful conclusion of their two days regular annual tournament, Interestly the England Kabaddi team having their top players Bhira and Mohana on injured list still showed a new vigor and spirit on the field. England’s defense completely dominated and checked all the raiders with the exception of Balwinder Phudoo. England’s defense under Swarna’s leadership proved proverbial China Wall for USA, raider. It was only the mighty Phudoo, who could maintain his fourteen years of superiority. On the contrary USA defence fell like nine pins. They could not stand the onslaught of UK raiders which included Baljeet Jarnail and Pala. The final score was 1945.

Later the UK team met against Canada XIin the final, surprisingly by this time the mood of the spectators was totally changed. Those who were still celebrating the humiliating defeat of USA team were now praying for their home team to win. But with the superior game of UK their wishes and hopes could not alter the result of the match. The England team conveniently won and this lifted the glittering trophy with the final score of 43-25.

On the Canadian side Khila was at his usual top in the defence. But his solo efforts could not alter the fate of his team. However the people were of all praise for their upcoming and young players who played with determination but lost.

Earlier the star studded Punjab Sports Club, which included Phudoo Mayer Neki and Swarna (UK) in their team defeated Shere Punjab Club in a keenly contested match. The Shere Punjab club had England players and Sukha of America,

This tournament which is considered as the top competition in the North America region had all disciplines.

There were four competitions in Kabaddi, six in soccer (boys) two in soccer girls, two in volley balls and four in badminton, Besides this wrestling Athletics Weightlifting. Body Building, Basketball and Tennis ‘competitions were also held.

Tug of War was another star attraction of the tournament in which Vancouver ‘club defeated Klami club by winning both the pulls.

The tournament was a grand success. ‘There was no untoward incident which could marr the magnificence of the well-organized tournament. The credit for the success can be rightly given to S. Bikkar Singh Dhillon president Khalsa Diwan Society, who him selfi is a top sportsman at the age of 60, S. Gurdev Singh Dhesi, Buta Singh Sandhu, Gurbakhash Singh Sanghera Sodhi Singh Sodhi, Aviar Singh Sandhu and numerous other dedicated workers.

FRESNO: Earlier Sher e Punjab Kabaddi team representing Kabaddi Federation of North America repeated their performance, at Yuba City and defeated England at Caruthers (Fresno) on Monday May 14, 1990. Although this match was arranged at 4 short notices, still a large number of Kabaddi fans, were present to watch this international contest… The people were so enthusiastic and anxious that they did not bother the last minute change of the avenue due to the objections from the players of both the teams.

The match was played at a fast pace. Here too, like Yuba City, Balwinder Phiddo and Mangi proved 100 good for the England stoppers. Their powerful and skillful raids totally frustrated the English players and thus became the architect of the clean sweep of England’s two match series this summer. The final score was 44 -41 in favour of Shere Punjab team.

In the English side Jarnail, Baljeet Pala and Bhira were the main scorers. The Sher-e-Punjab players who helped in this victory included Raghbir Singh Shergill, the coach and Surinder Singh Atwal, the manager worked hard to achieve the distinction of avenging the last year’s defeat.

The Fresno match was arranged by Punjab Sports Club. The dedicated band of Organisers included Bikram Jit Singh Chohan, Balbir Singh Dhillon, Nirmal S. Gill, Pappi and Paul S. Mahal who made it possible for the Fresno Area to stage this international match, Mohinder Singh Thandi, Bikram Jeet Singh Chohan and S. Nachhattar Singh Batth donated $500.00 each for the first prize which went to Sher-e-Punjab club. The Punjab Sports Club contributed $1,000.00 as a second prize.

Later S. Charanjit Singh Batth hosted a dinner in honor of the teams and the Organisers.

Article extracted from this publication >> June 1, 1990