FRESNO Ca. Sant Bhindrawale Club, San Jose lifted a glittering trophy and won a bumper cash prize of $2,000 in an exciting and thrilling Kabaddi “A” final in a two days tournament organized by Punjab Sports Club, Fresno, Ca. at Terry School Selma on May 9th and 10th, 1987, defeating local Punjab Sports Club, Fresno, scoring 6443. The halftime score was 3623. This final match was practically an international Kabaddi competition in which top kabaddi players from England and Canada were participating from both sides. Baljit Singh (V. Dugri), Ajit Singh (Garh Bhadana) both of Coventry Club of England, Swarn Singh (Harbanspura), Kirpal Singh (Madpur) of Gravezend Club of England, represented the winning San Jose team along with Jora, Kulwant, Jaswinder, Hardev Sahota, Vir Sidhu, Jyoti Johal, Gursewak Brar, Thana Singh and Iqbal Singh and Lakhi (manager). Whereas Joginder S. Khilla came all the way from Canada to help Fresno team which included Satnam, Makhan, Baljit, Mohinder, Lal Singh, Mander and others. The spectators enjoyed the skillful game of the players from England and Canada along with Jyoti, Johal, Jora and Mander.

In the final of Kabaddi “Group B”, the Bay area team repeated its performance of Turlock tournament and maintained their supremacy by defeating Guru Nanak Kabaddi Club, Livingston, with the margin of 4733. Maninder, Balbir and Gandhi were the architects of their victory whereas Satnam impressed the people from the opponent’s side.

In soccer, group “A” final, the Guru Nanak Club Yuba City, established their supremacy in defeating the winners of Turlock tournament i.e.; Azad Club, Fresno, on their home ground with the margin of 30. Jaspal Sodhi was the hero of the match who claimed the credit of scoring all the three goals during the final tie. Incidentally Jaspal Sodhi has already attained the distinction to being the top scorer of North America for the soccer game. Mr. Sodhi’s Coach Harbajhan Singh Gill (49) was himself playing for his team and led them to a glorious victory. Earlier Fresno team was lucky to enter into the final of the soccer competition by defeating G.N. Sikh Gurdwara, Livingston, through penalty strokes after a baren schedule game. In group “B” soccer, Livingston P.C. DS. Club defeated Azad Club, Fresno, by 20 goals.

In the basketball open, Azad College, Fresno, defeated San Joaquin Club. Manjit Sandhu (Lalli) was the star of the match whereas Rimpi was the top scorer for the opponents.

The results of the athletics events are as follows:

*1500 Meter Open:

  1. Satvir Bath; II. Ravinder Dhest; III. Bobby Sidhu;

*Shot Put (Open):

  1. Jorawar Singh; IL Inderjit Singh; III. Jyoti Johal.

*Shot Put (Under 13 yrs.): I. Chandeep Purewal; II. Jatinder Gill; If. Hardeep Chauhan;

*100 Meter (8-10 yrs.):

  1. Pampreet Purewal; Il. Gagan- deep Bath;

*100 Meter (10-13 yrs.):

  1. Jaspreet Sooch; I. Harjinder Dhesi; III. Chandeep Purewal: *100 Meter (14 & above):
  2. Jagdeep Bath; Il. Satvir Bath; III. Amarjit Mahal;

*400 Meter (8-10 yrs.):

  1. Pampreet Purewal; II. Gagan- deep Bath;

*400 Meter (11-13 yrs.):

  1. Jatinder Gill; 11. D. Gill: TIT. Jaspreet Sooch:

*400 Meter (14 & Above):

  1. Bobby Deol; Il. Satvir Bath; II. Jagdev Bath:

*100 Meters:

  1. Kewal Singh; Il. Malkiat Singh: Ill. Harkeet Singh.

The tournament was well Organized and witnessed by large number of spectators. The prizes were given away by S. Mohinder Singh Bains and S. Charanjit Singh Bath to the winners.

Article extracted from this publication >>  May 15, 1987