CHICAGO: The Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago (P.C.S.) made history by organizing midwest’s first ever Punjabi Sports Festival on Saturday, May 27, at Harper College grounds in Palatine, ILLinois. Mayor of Palatine Ms, Rita Mullins inaugurated the tournament following a parade of the participants by releasing a huge bunch of colorful balloons to the silver skies and declaring the sports ‘open amidst thundering cheers, The opening ceremonies started with prayers (Shabad) by “Sikh Youth of Chicago” group organized by Kulwant Singh, followed by the American national anthem sung by Mini and Bini Basati, Despite rain showers at the beginning and ending of the festival the enthusiasm and spirits were never dampened. Over 160 athlete’s registered and competed in sports and athletics while over 400. Spectators watched the games from under two huge tents and around the tracks and fields, 14 volleyball teams, 8 soccer teams and 4 Kabaddi teams signed up. The tournament was basically local.
An exciting match of Kabaddi final was played between the winners “Khalsa Kabaddi Association” and the “Lehals”, bare-chested in light drizzle and cool wind but with brisk moves and high enthusiasm with high spirited loyal fans cheering in the rain.
Men’s Soccer final was a tie between “‘Shere Punjab” and “Chicago Cabs” teams. Women’s Soccer was won by the “Starwars” while the Junior’s Soccer winners were the “Cobras”,
Men’s volleyball was won by the “Lehals” by beating the “Team007” in the finals. The Women’s volleyball winners were the “Starwars” against the “Atwals”. The Juriior’s Volleyball title was grabbed by the “Cobras” from the “Tigers”. Gurinder Dhillon won Shot Put for men whereas Rajyir Hothi won the Women’s Shot Put event. Paul Komal, Jagdey Dhillon and Damanjit Singh won weight li ing contests in different weights categories. Charanpal Singh Ghuman won the 100 and 1500 meters races. Raspal Singh Bajwa won the 800 meters. HarjinderSingh Khangura won Men’s 200 m and Jaspreet Singh Dhaliwal took the 400 m title, Gagan Kaur Singh won ladies 400 m race while Bindu Bath dashed to victory in ladies 100 m race. Jaspreet Kaur Saini won girl’s 100 m, Jaspreet Singh won Children’s 100 m, and Manpreet Shergill won Children’s 50m race.
The program Was organized for P.cs. by Sukmel Singh Atwal, Bhagwant Singh Sandhu, Thakar Singh Basati, Rajinder Singh Mago. Mohinderjit Singh Saini,
Gulzar Singh Multani, Sunny and Ronny Kular, Raghvinder Singh Mahal, Dilbagh Singh Hothi, Raghuvir Singh Saini, Pinky Saini and Gurdip Singh Saini with the help of a hard working committee, Gold, Silver and Bronze medals to the first, second and third place athletes for individual sports and medals for the first and second winners of team sports were awarded by the visiting guest Surjit Singh Madhopuri, himself a Govt of Canada medalist for bravery. Professional clowns performed hilarious comedy routines to entertain the children. Surjit Singh Madhopuri, the famous Punjabi Singer from Vancouver, Canada entertained the athletes and the Spectators from the village of Palatine bandshell, with his Punjabi songs and poetry in the evening during the Awards presentation and closing ceremonies, Punjabi music, Tandoori chicken and open air Bhangra in rain by dripping wel teenagers and winners ended the fun filled memorable evening. This was a whole day event with no entry fee Popcom, cotton candy and soft drinks were provided free, compliments of P.C.S. The senior citizens men and women musical chairs races were won by Joginder Singh Multani and Gurjeet Kaur Saini respectively, “Sports and high energy are the strengths of Punjabi culture and our dream is to see our boys and girls represent USA in Olympics. God willing and community supporting, this Sports Festival is going to be a great annual event,” said Rajinder Singh Mago, VicePresident of P.C.S. P.C.S.’s future program attractions “Punjabi Kavi Darbar” in September and “Aao Nachiye” in December were also announced, Editorial Note: The photos from this event were featured in last week’s WSN issue.
Article extracted from this publication >> July 21, 1995
