YUBA CITY: Sher-c-Punjab Kabaddi team representing Kabaddi Federation of North America defeated England Kabaddi team at Yuba City and Fresno on May 13 & 14, 1990 and thus clinched the series of two Kabaddi test matches played in USA.

Last year the England team won all the three matches played in America. Thus the American team has avenged their last year’s defeat by making a clean sweep of the present test series.

At Yuba City, where a huge tum out saw Balwinder Phiddo & Jasbir Mangi completely dominating the raid on behalf of the ‘American team. But the real architects of the victory were defenders Zora Kulwant Sokha and Neki who showed their outstanding skill in defense. England’s offence led by Jaila, Baljeet, Bhindi and Mohana won the hearts of the spectators by their skillful raids. On the defense front Swarna, Lakha and Pal could not come to the expectations ‘of the people. However, at the end of the match, Swama delighted the people by catching Phiddoo and Mangi. The spectators spontaneously jumped on their feet to acclaim the spirit the game. The final score was 48-44,

Earlier the one day festival was inaugurated with a prayer to the Almighty for peaceful conduct the sports, in a keenly contested Kabaddi match in group “C”, ‘Yuba City team defeated Live Oak with the margin of 5 6-47. In Kabaddi “B” Live Oak team defeated a Livingston Club by 22-20 points. In Volleyball Sports Club Sacramento defeated Punjab Sports Club the entire same city. In Basketball Khalsa Live Oak outplayed Young Guns Yuba City in an exciting match. In 50 MT children race AjitPal Thundal Ajay Bhagirath and Mandeep Mindi were the winners. In 100 MT Shahbaz Mann got first place, while Jetinder Judge was second.

In 1500 MT sensational race Tarsem Singh dethroned Rajwant Sekhon to take first place. Tarsem took the lead just from start and never looked back till he crossed the finishing point.

‘Weightlifting competition also took place. A local soccer team defeated a Livingston club during this festival.

The great success of the one day festival and Kabaddi test match at Yuba City goes to S. Didar Singh Bains, president of Kabaddi Federation of North America and his band of dedicated workers. Much of burden of the work went on the shoulders ‘of Subedar Jagroop Singh, a well-known social worker who worked round the clock to make the flawless arrangements. Mr. Bains in a statement thanked all those including some office bearers of Sikh Temple Tierra Buena Yuba City who worked whole heartedly for the success of this festival. S. Bains made a special mention of Charanjit S. Batth (Fresno), S. Baldev Singh Sangha Fresno S. Dilbagh Singh Bains, S. Mohan Singh Bains, S. Iqbal Singh Dhillon, S. Gurnam Singh Pamma, S. Gurdarshan Singh Brar, S. Jagroop Singh Atwal and some other persons. S. Bains also thanked R.S. Mander, Aviar Singh Kang, S. Tarsem Singh Purewal and S. Balbir Singh for bringing England Kabaddi for the second year in succession.

The England team comprising of Swama (Captain) Pal Mohna Bhira Jaila Baljeet, Bhindi Tari Nindi Lakha and Pritpal ‘was led by RS Mander General Secretary of Indian Sports Associations UK S. Tarsem Singh Purewal of Des Pardes and S. Avtar Singh Kang. S. Balbir Singh president Punjab Kabaddi Association also accompanied the England contingent.

Sher-e-Punjab Kabaddi team, which represented America included Zora war (Captain) Kulwant Singh Lachhar vice-captain, ‘Sukha Rana Neki Atwal, Simple Aulakh Sukhwinder Aulakh, Balwinder Phidoo ‘Sukhwinder Neld Jasvir Mangi, Pappa and Shoker. The team was organized by S. Raghbir Singh Shergill and S, Surinder Singh Atwal.

At the end, winning team was presented ‘a beautiful trophy and cash prize of $1,000 by Subedar Jagroop Singh and S. Gurpal Singh Bains, This cash prize was offered by Mr, Amarject Singh Tut of Paul Trucking Co of Watsonville the loser’s team was presented a trophy by S. Charanjit Singh Batth and S, Baldev Singh Sangha both from Fresno, They also got a cash prize of $500.00 on behalf of the local organizing committee. The report regarding the match at Fresno held on May 14, 1990 will be given in the next issue of the WSN.

Article extracted from this publication >> May 18, 1990