By Raj Singh
SACRAMENTO (CA): Volleyball does not interest the kids of today, but Lal Singh Atwal Sees it as his “life and blood”. His passion for this sport is unlimited growing up in Pharala village in Jullundur Dist., he would watch elders play the game on the playground right behind their house, and Lal was only 5 years old then. His father a “Gurdavir” in the Punjab Govt was shifted to Lambara and later Sarih in 7 and 8th class, where he played some volleyball mainly the serve. At Mahalpur he played soccer and Played volleyball for PSEB, where he worked. Later he was also the All India electricity Board team playing members in ‘New Delhi. Quitting PSEB, he started his own poultry farm. His village was the school district winners.
In 1981 he arrived in Fresno area to a place Kerman. Not much of volleyball was played those days, in either Yuba City, Livingston and other areas, moving to the Bay Area, he developed the sport as a resident in Fremont Three teams were formed and they were all quite good. Lal trained players like Rana and Sihota. Fresno’s Bubble Busters is a top ranking volleyball team in the area. In 1985 Bay Area had more than 10 recognized teams; in 1990 there are only six recognized teams. The dwindling interest in the sport will mean, it could fade away, but he is trying his best to coach new players.
Lal Singh Atwal regrets that not many youngsters are taking up this game.
At 42 years old, still fit, he wants to keep playing as long as he can. He is at the moment exploring some business ideas. In his spare time he travels, and his worst place is Arizona (no people) and best, of course Sacramento (because I live here).
His favorite food is Punjabi, dhal rotis and pizza but he prefers to cook for himself the karara (spicy) pork. His philosophy in life “work hard, eat and live well, life comes only once, make good use of it,”
Lal and his wife will soon be joined by his children Harinder (son) and daughter Jatinder Kaur.
Article extracted from this publication >> May 25, 1990
