The inaugural Guru Nanak Sikh Temple (GNST) Inala ‘Khed Mela’ Sports Tournament was held on April 28 at Runcorn State High School having different competition as well as the cultural activities.
Giani Jaskirat Singh (Gurudwara Sahib Inalla) performed the holy Ardass and the competition started. With over $15,000 in prizes on offer to teams participating across several team events including soccer, tug-of-war and the highlight of the day Kabbadi. The victors were Melbourne Kabbadi (and their coach Mr. Kuldeep Basi) in Kabbadi; Brisbane Sikhs United in the soccer and The Brisbane Bulls in tug-of-war challenges.
The event featured teams from across South East Queensland, interstate and visiting teams from India and Canada. Professional Kabbadi referees were also sourced from India to contribute their skills and expertise to this highly competitive sport. The famous players who participated the tournament were Gurlal Shinder, Gurdit Singh, Jabar Ali Kambo Pakistan, Gurpreet Burj Hari, Sukha Grewal Dhulkot, Sita Ajnaud, Pamma, Gaggi Rasoorpur, Manni Uppal, Satnam Khela, Sucha Dharmiwal, Joga Kota Rajasthani, Bhura, Bhinda Moolewal, Kamal Lasara, Babbu Lasara, Gurlal Jalal, Guri Dhaler, Sethi Hakhowal, Yaad Kotli, Ghora Dodewal, Aman Kundi Canada, Lala Abed Ulha Pakistani, Vikky Ghanaur, Teji Ghanaur, Nishan Magha, Gagga, Kamal Jhande, Pannu Gurudaspur, Baljinder Mann, Inderpal Australian, Pardeep Sherpuria, Mannu Mann Ferozpuria, Ghuda Kale Sanghe, Billa Nava Shehar, Nav Sangrur and many more. Mexican player Zaro Chaves and Pakistani player Jabar Ali remained the main attraction for their best demonstration.
Gurlal Shinder was selected as best Dhavi and Gurdit Singh as best Jaffi and they got the cash prizes of $500 each. Dr. Darshan Barhi – the world-famous commentator, Star Commentator Gaggy Mann from Brisbane, and famous commentators from India Aman Loppo and Gurpreet Singh Ber kalan also demonstrated their best skills during the competition by a good commentary of the different events.
Cr. Kim Marx (Brisbane City Councillor for Runcorn Ward) and Duncan Pegg MP (State Member for Stretton) were part of the celebrations as honoured guests. Live music, cultural dance performances, and traditional Indian street food kept the thousands of people in attendance well entertained throughout the day. This community event was a grand success due to the support of Amarjit Singh Mahal, the President of Guru Nanak Sikh Temple, Inala and head of the tournament management committee.