Chicago IL: The annual 14th International entertainment and sport events of “Kabaddi” and Volleyball tournament, known popularly as the “Punjabi Mela” was organized by Punjabi Sports Club and Cultural Club Chicago on Saturday, June 25 2016, at Busse Woods Forest Preserve, Elk Grove Village, Illinois. During this populous family oriented annual mega event people enjoyed complimentary entrance, food, mehndi application, and competitive traditional Sports (Kabaddi and Volleyball Tournament). This was followed by award ceremony, live musical performance from famous Punjabi Singers including, Ammy Virk, Kulwinder Billa, Gagan Anmol, Amrit Mann, Sandeep Brar, and Baljeet Johal. Hundreds of diaspora community from Midwest region enjoyed full day of the activities. The event reflected rich Punjabi traditions and heritage of sport, food and music.
The tournament kicked off after traditional opening prayer (Ardaas) ceremony by Palatine Granthi Bhai Gurjant Singhji. Competing teams hailed from the States of Wisconsin, Indiana, New York, Texas, Illinois, Virginia and Michigan. Principal Kabbadi Referee was Mr. Dawinder Singh, and 2nd Kabbadi Referee- Pandit Surkhpur both hailed from Punjab. 3rd Kabbadi Referee was Kippa Tanda.
The finalists were Indiana vs Milwaukee. After intense competition, Indiana beat Wisconsin (Milwaukee) by the score of 23.5 points Indiana vs. 21 points by losing team from Milwaukee. First price was sponsored and awarded by Mr. S. Darshan Singh Dhaliwal (Bulk Petroleum) to the winning Indiana team named Meri Peri.
Second place winner price to Milwaukee Team was sponsored and awarded by Ghuman Brothers (Indianapolis). Best Raider special price of Kabbadi was claimed by Jassa Sidhwan and Gori. Best Stopper trophy was claimed by Donte California. Best Kabbadi Players Name were Vicky Ghour, Baljeet Sadoke, Navi Johal, Sodhi Jodhe, Rana Bhandal. In separate category of “under 21 years” Kabbadi team players from Michigan claimed 1st place, Runner-up team winner was from Virginia
First place winner in Volleyball championship was awarded to S. Bhagat Singh Sports Club Chicago, Illinois and Second Place runner up was claimed by Madison Sports Club of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Special Guests for the evening was Dr. Ausaf Sayeed Consulate General of India, Chicago and Darshan Singh Dhaliwal.
Presentation of appreciation plaques to the winners and various contributors of the event for their moral and financial support, which was pivotal in the execution of the event were awarded. Live Performance Punjabi Singers by- Kulwinder Billa, Ammy Virk, Amrit Maan, Sandeep Brar, Gagan Anmol, & Anchor Baljit Kaur Johal entertained the audience with their melodious folk songs. Overall, the event was a great success and all guests raved about the wonderful organization of the unforgettable event.
