Soccer chams at the 2024 SYA Sikh camp – Photo: SYA
By Asia Samachar | Australia |
Some 230 participants took part in the annual summer camp organised by the Sikh Youth Australia (SYA).
The four-days and five-nights which ended on Jan 14 was “Sold Out” three weeks before the date.
The camp was officially opened by the Parliamentary secretary for Multiculturism Hon Mark Buttigieg MLC.
“In terms of meeting our expectations, yes, we did,” SYA long-term senior volunteer Satwant Singh Calais told Asia Samachar.
The camp also held a kirtan competition. The participating jathas (groups) displayed amazing, exceeding the expectations of judges Dya Singh and Manpreet Singh, two popular kirtan and parcharaks who were involved in the camp.
“We had many special confidential sessions for our senior male and female youth and the women at the camp. The focus was to share their challenges and identify options to deal with them. Covid crisis has created many issues for our youth,” he added.
Senior camp facilitator Dya Singh pointed out five salient points that emerged from the various discussions at the camp, including the ‘prickly issue of the LGBTQI+’. (See full discussion here).
“Refreshingly, their input drew us towards issues and problems faced by today’s youth. Current global, mainly western problems and issues which perhaps are not obvious to older ‘Indian-centric’ scholars came to the fore,” he noted.
Dya also made another observation: “I was most touched with a post-camp impromptu gathering of the critical youth age group – those between 15 and about 21. The discussion was vigorous, frank and it showed that this age group which is often linked with rebelliousness from the norms do take onboard what they hear and perceive, but they will take all that forward as they feel they should.”
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
Jathas in action at the SYA 2024 summer camp – Photo: SYA
By Dya Singh | Australia |
…Vich bani amrit saray… – within Gurbani lie all the answers.
A quote from one of the jathas in the Sikh Youth Australia (SYA) Sikh camp’s Kirtan Competition slightly paraphrased: Halemi Raj begins within the deep silent recesses of each heart and mind, self-practised, then practised within the family and finally flows into the mainstream.
Hun Hukm hoa Mehervaan dha, pai koye n kissai ranyyan dha. Sabh sukhali vuthiya, eh hoa Halemi Raj jio. (The 1-Force then issued the Command. Let no one be afraid, oppressed or downtrodden. Let all exist in peace and harmony. Let the Rule of Compassion prevail.)
I spoke before the camp about the theme with my older brother, Bai Ji Gurmukh Singh OBE (UK) who writes a weekly column for the UK-based Punjab Times. He is well-versed in Gurbani, Guru-itihas, Sikh history, a raconteur on current Sikh affairs and moves around Sikh scholarly circles. He did his research and wrote a covering article to set us off. It was followed by an earlier article by S. Nirmal Singh Ji which surfaced as interest grew amongst the global scholarly fraternity. They provided us with the ‘meat’ of our subject matter complemented by our very capable new facilitators Virs Apinder Singh Ji (Singapore), Harpreet Singh Khalsa (Perth), Bibi Manjit Kaur (Singapore), Bhain Teeshal Kaur (Melbourne) as well as regulars Giani Sukhdaiv Singh Ji of Gurpuri, Vir Manpreet Singh Ji (UK) and I. Our younger home-grown facilitators also did their research.
What astonished us most was the input by participants and even our management team reminding us that though there are sewadars, their reward is what they, too, learn and contribute at such ‘camps’ (samelans). Refreshingly, their input drew us towards issues and problems faced by today’s youth. Current global, mainly western problems and issues which perhaps are not obvious to older ‘Indian-centric’ scholars came to the fore.
FIVE SALIENT POINTS EMERGED:
The feminine aspect of Halemi Raj. There is no conflict between man and woman. Each has their own dharam (duty) to fulfil within Halemi Raj. Each complements the other. In fact the status of woman is, in Sikhi, loftier than that of a man. Singh means lion but Kaur not only means princess but also a prince! A male should get in touch with his feminine side.
The prickly issue of the LGBTQI+ (formerly referred to as Gay) movement mainly in the western countries and how to address it from a Sikhi viewpoint. In the western mindset it is about exerting each side’s rights – a confrontational attitude as one side gains more power. The eastern mind is about acceptance without prejudice – the spiritual path.
3. The divine significance of the ‘sequence’ of the name meanings of the Punj Pyaray.
a. Dya (Daya) – Compassion
b. Dharam – Duty, faith, religion, way of life, life philosophy etc.
c. Himmat – action, enforcement, effort, ability, courage to carry out the ideal of Halemi Raj.
d. Mohkam – gentleness, humility.
e. Sahib – the Ruler.
So, compassion is even held loftier than ‘religious’ beliefs! And ‘the ruler’ comes last after the action taken to instil the mechanism of Halemi Raj with love and gentleness. The Rule comes last because all victory or power belongs to God as in ‘Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh’. Such a progression negates lust and greed for power.
4. Three dimensions of the current-day gurdwara – The Nishan Sahib, the Darbar Sahib ending in the Langgar Hall. (Langar literally means anchor). That which props or holds the philosophy, the humanitarian, Halemi aspect of Sikhi in place. The Nishan Sahib is a symbol of compassion ushering in all who need sanctuary. No other faith group or religion has a designated flag flying in front of the Gurdwara. It also represents the sovereignty of compassion (Halemi Raj). The Darbar Sahib is the pillar, the hub of an orderly society – the spiritual aspect of life. Spiritual awareness brings about orderliness and stability within from where ‘halemi’ raj sprouts.
5. The significance of adding of the sweetener, the sugar puffs (petasay), the ‘halemi’ ingredient, by Mata Sahib Kaur as her husband, Kalghidhar Pita Guru Gobind Singh Ji prepared the sacred elixir (amrit) to create the Khalsahood.
Apinder Singh, a Sikhi lecturer and researcher at Singapore-based CSGB, handling a parent’s session at the SYA 2024 Sikh camp – Photo: SYA
Halemi Raj was evident in all the above. It was vigorously discussed by youth and the adults. Shabad ‘Beghampura sheher ko nau’ was reflected upon; the theo-political status of the ‘Golden Temple’ precinct – the Darbar Sahib and Akal Takhat; the ‘Piri’ (spiritual aspirations) Nishan Sahib being higher than the ‘Miri’ (the temporal aspirations) Nishan Sahib in front of Akal Takhat all came into play as being symbolic of the thread of Halemi Raj in our day to day living the Sikhi way.
The theme also ran through our three-evenings of kirtan competition by participants divided into four jathas. The jathas were named after some prominent ladies in Sikh history – Bibi Bhani, Mata Sahib Kaur, Bebe Nanaki, and Mai Bhago. We also celebrated the 400th anniversary of Mata Gujri, the grandmother of the Khalsa.
There were a few teething problems as the ‘camp’ moved to new, more adequate premises – The Salvation Army Retreat in Collaroy, New South Wales (NSW). As we intend to use this site into the near future at least, these issues will get ironed out, under the guidance of the camp commandant/coordinator, Sardar Jaideep Singh Ji.
The senior and younger facilitators, administrators and sewadhars were all on the same page and consistent with the theme. It was most gratifying to witness the great harmony amongst all. It was a joy to see all immersed in sewa, Nitnem reciting and kirtan. The few problems, hiccups and disciplinary issues which are inevitable with proportionally greater’ youth’ attendees, were tackled in a ‘halemi’ way as the grasp of the all-engulfing Halemi Raj central philosophy developed. Both management and the mischievous perpetrators in fact benefitted from the practical application of the theme as it was further driven home!
The two new main facilitators gave two very diverse insightful aspects of Sikhi and especially Gurbani. The research of Vir Apinder Singh, besides Gurbani, is in secondary sources of information like the ‘Janamsakhis’, Panth Prakash, Bhai Gurdas and other sources to attempt to trace the evolution of Sikhi thought from then to now. Vir Harpreet Khalsa is an IT specialist. He reinterprets Gurbani in line with technological advances and global concerns like the advent of Virtual Reality and advances of Artificial Intelligence, and climate change.
The other bright development within camp attendees is the more even age spread. The youth numbers were very much stronger than the last few years – a healthy, welcome sign!
The vision of this camp is primordially to apply Gurbani and Naam, as tools for self-improvement. It is about raising good, morally strong, dynamic, progressive citizens of the country we live in, and future leaders not only of the Sikh Quom but the mainstream. The leadership training is self-evident in firstly ensuring that young adult regular participants take responsible roles like assisting in facilitating which entails pre-camp preparation of the theme, assisting the senior facilitators and general pre-camp planning. From amongst the older youth, jatha leaders are nominated who hold pre-camp meetings to be better prepared to direct their jathas towards the disciplines of sewa, doing nitnem, general behaviour and directing in the kirtan competition besides general responsibility of their designated jathas including discipline.
I believe this camp was a resounding success from its general ‘vision’ viewpoint. Feedback will entail further improvements in future camps and other activities.
I was most touched with a post-camp impromptu gathering of the critical youth age group – those between 15 and about 21. The discussion was vigorous, frank and it showed that this age group which is often linked with rebelliousness from the norms do take onboard what they hear and perceive, but they will take all that forward as they feel they should. After all, Nanak himself was such a rebel and a revolutionary, but remembering that any change is aimed towards the betterment of society and general good!
Now, what does the year have for us post-camp and what for the next annual family camp? It is shaping to be very interesting and progressive with a year-end all-night kirtan (rain sebhayi) from New Year’s Eve into 2025!
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
Cortege leaves residence at 3pm (Add: 4, Jalan Senangin, Lucky Garden, Bangsar 59100, Kuala Lumpur) Saskaar (cremation) at Jalan Loke Yew Crematorium, KL at 4pm
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
Childen engaged in activities at Gurdwara Tegh Bahadur in Leicester – Photo: Gurdwara Facbook
By Dr. Devinder Pal Singh| Opinion |
Children are the architects of our future, and their journey toward adulthood is shaped by the values and principles they inherit. Guru Nanak Dev founded Sikhism in the fifteenth century. It is a monotheistic religion that emphasizes the principles of equality, compassion, humility, and social responsibility. The knowledge and understanding of these principles provide a solid ethical foundation for children to navigate the complexities of the modern world.
In a world that often seems divided, Sikhism offers a timeless message of unity, compassion, and the potential for positive transformation through simple acts of love and service. Introducing children to Sikhism and encouraging them to adopt its way of life is an investment in building a more compassionate, just, and harmonious future. By embracing Sikh values, children not only enrich their own lives but also contribute to the creation of a more inclusive and virtuous society.
As guardians of their growth, it becomes paramount to inspire children to follow a virtuous lifestyle that contributes to society’s betterment. Encouraging young children, both boys and girls, to follow Sikh values involves a combination of educational, cultural, and experiential approaches.
Here are some ways to inspire them to embrace a purposeful and meaningful way of life.
STORYTELLING AND MORALITY TALES
Stories have a timeless appeal and are powerful tools for imparting moral lessons. Narratives that weave ethical dilemmas, courage, and compassion provide children with a framework for understanding right from wrong. By sharing stories from various cultures, we expose children to a rich tapestry of values, fostering global understanding.
Use storytelling, age-appropriate books, and multimedia resources to share the stories of Sikh Gurus, historical figures, and their adherence to Sikh values. Share stories of inspirational Sikh women to demonstrate gender equality and the importance of Sikh values for both boys and girls.
INTERACTIVE LEARNING AND PLAY
Children learn best when engaged in activities that pique their curiosity. A curious mind is a fertile ground for growth. Encouraging children to ask questions and seek answers instills in them a sense of curiosity and critical thinking. Providing age-appropriate responses to their inquiries nurtures a habit of lifelong learning and encourages them to explore various aspects of life.
Incorporating interactive learning methods and play into the educational process makes learning enjoyable and allows them to internalize values. Organize educational games, quizzes, or interactive activities that make learning about Sikhism engaging and fun.
Encourage children to ask questions about Sikhism and engage in open discussions about values and beliefs. Create a safe space for them to express their thoughts and seek clarifications, fostering critical thinking and understanding. Games encouraging cooperation, teamwork, and problem-solving can instill essential life skills.
Encourage children to express their understanding of Sikh values through art, music, or creative projects. Artistic expression can serve as a means for them to internalize and reflect on the values they are learning.
POSITIVE ROLE MODELS
Children often look up to adults for guidance and inspiration. The most impactful way to inspire children is by leading through example. Children are keen observers and learn from what is told and, more significantly, from what is shown. Demonstrating virtues such as kindness, empathy, and honesty in our own lives creates a living model for them to emulate.
Engaging them with positive role models, be it family members, community leaders, or renowned personalities, can provide real-life examples of individuals who have followed a purposeful and virtuous life. Introduce children to positive role models within the Sikh community, including individuals who have made significant contributions to society while embodying Sikh values. Connect children with Sikh youth groups or mentors who can guide and support them in their spiritual journey. Interactions with older individuals who embody Sikh values can provide valuable insights and encouragement.
FAMILY INVOLVEMENT
Foster a family environment where Sikh values are not just taught but practiced. Include children in family prayers, discussions about Sikhism, and cultural celebrations, creating a sense of continuity and connection. Foster open communication within the family, allowing children to express their thoughts, concerns, and experiences related to Sikh values. Encourage them to share their perspectives, fostering a sense of ownership and understanding.
Attend Gurdwara services as a family and involve children in age-appropriate religious rituals. Recognize and praise children when they demonstrate Sikh values in their behaviour. Use positive reinforcement, such as acknowledging their efforts and achievements, to motivate them to continue embracing Sikh principles.
CULTURAL IMMERSION
Exposing children to diverse social and cultural activities broadens their horizons and helps them appreciate the beauty of human diversity. Cultural immersion fosters a sense of openness and acceptance, whether through visits to gurudwara, celebrations of gurpurabs and cultural events, or interactions with other community members. Celebrate Sikh festivals enthusiastically, explaining each celebration’s cultural and spiritual significance.
Enroll children in Sikh camps or workshops that provide hands-on experiences related to Sikh values, traditions, and practices. These events often include interactive sessions, group activities, and discussions tailored to different age groups. Involve children in community service projects aligned with Sikh principles of selfless service (seva). Engaging in acts of kindness and volunteering can help children understand the practical application of Sikh values in positively impacting society.
Combining these means and methods helps create a holistic approach to inspiring young children to follow Sikh values, promoting a solid foundation for their spiritual and cultural development. Inspiring children to follow a purposeful way of life is a collective responsibility involving parents, educators, and society. By creating an environment that values kindness, curiosity, and continuous learning, we lay the foundation for a generation that embraces a virtuous way of life and contributes positively to the world. As we invest in inspiring and nurturing the hearts and minds of our children, we sow the seeds for a future where compassion, empathy, and purpose guide their journey toward adulthood.
Dr. D. P. Singh, M.Sc., Ph.D. is Director, Center for Understanding Sikhism, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. He is a physicist by training, a teacher by profession and a writer by choice. He specializes in writing on Science, Religion and Environmental topics. Currently, he is working as Director, CanBridge Learning & Educational Consultant to various educational institutions in Canada. Email: drdpsn@gmail.com
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
Sitarist and composer Jasdeep Singh Degun – Photo: Personal Website
By Asia Samachar | Britain |
Sitarist and composer Jasdeep Singh Degun has been nominated for two awards for the Royal Philharmonic Society Awards 2024, dubbed by a British newspaper as the biggest night in UK classical music, taking place on March 5.
The Leeds sitarist has been nominated for the Instrumentalist Award and the Large-Scale Composition Award categories.
“I am very thankful to my teacher Ustad Dharambir Singh and to the numerous individuals and organisations that have supported me over the years,” Jasdeep said in an entry at his X, formerly Twitter, account.
Aiming to redefine genres, Jasdeep is passionate about exposing music from his heritage to audiences across the globe, according to an entry at his website.
Signed to Real World Records, Jasdeep released his debut album titled ‘Anomaly’, working under the guidance of celebrated musician and producer Nitin Sawhney. Jasdeep was announced as Artist-in-Residence at Opera North, and in 2022 he was composer, co-music director and soloist in Opera North and South Asian Arts-uk’s acclaimed opera Orpheus. This production garnered five-star reviews and earned Jasdeep a 2022 Critics’ Circle Music Award for “Outstanding Achievement in Opera”.
As a British composer, Jasdeep brings a unique perspective to composition influenced by Indian classical and western classical traditions. His upbringing and experiences have contributed to his distinctive musical voice, allowing him to create captivating and boundary-pushing music, according to his website.
The Royal Albert Hall hosted Jasdeep at the BBC Proms 2014, showcasing his own original compositions based on Indian classical music. In 2016, Jasdeep was commissioned by zer0classikal to write a concerto for sitar and string quartet, titled The Bridge. In 2017, Jasdeep wrote the soundtrack to the independent short film ‘Taraash’.
In 2020, Jasdeep was commissioned by Opera North to write a new work, ‘Arya: concerto for Sitar and Orchestra’ which premiered at the Huddersfield Town Hall. The work later went on tour with successful performances at Durham Cathedral, the RNCM, and the Birmingham CBSO to critical acclaim.
In 2022, Real World Records released Jasdeep’s debut album, Anomaly, garnering a nomination for ‘Best Album’ in the Songlines Music Awards 2023, and topping the ‘Best world music albums of 2022’ in the Financial Times.
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
I noticed these wonderful young men, with a lady tucked at the back, doing kirtan at a Malaysian camp. A speaker is seated with them. I caught them online, thanks to the recording uploaded by the group’s Facebook page. They’re doing lovely sevaa.
One observation, if you permit. Very quickly after the opening, the group goes into high gear with the ‘Waheguru, Waheguru….’ chant.
This chanting style is a page from the Akhand Kirtani Jatha @ AKJ. It is jatha that was started by Bhai Randhir Singh, a famous and well-respected Sikh in the recent Sikh history. Their style of doing kirtan used to be a niche style of kirtan. Today, thanks to the social media, it has been made popular. It captivates the fancy of many young groups. I see it in Canada, too.
These groups may be comfortable with the such vigorous chanting. Some members of the Sanggat, too. But I suspect the wider Sanggat members may not be on the same page. Many of them don’t blend with this style of chanting, especially when they beak into high tempo. The earlier bits are fine. The high tempo bit…well its not your quick grab at the Timmies.
Hence, these groups should review their method. They should decide when it is appropriate to go ‘ballistic’ with the ‘Waheguru, Waheguru….’ chant. At the end of the day, when groups do kirtan at Guru Ghar [Gurdwaras] or major semagams, they must remember that they are doing it for the Sanggat.
Otherwise, delighted to see young men and women doing lovely sevaa.
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
Tycoon and former finance minister Daim Zainuddin and his wife have been hauled to court by the Malaysian anti-graft agency for what is anticipated to be long-drawn corruption cases, with implications on the nation’s political landscape.
In what are early days of the trials, lawyer Sachpreetraj Singh Sohanpal has been seen with Daim and his wife Na’imah Khalid when they appeared in public.
On Jan 10, Na’imah made her first public appearance in relation to the on-going investigations when she spoke to reporters before entering the national headquarters of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in Putrajaya. She was flanked by her legal representative Rajesh Nagaraja and Sachpreetraj who represented her two sons, Muhammad Amin Zainuddin Daim and Muhammad Amir Zainuddin Daim.
On Jan 29, wheelchair-bound Daim arrived at the court complex in Kuala Lumpur to face charges related to the disclosure of assets. Again, Sachpreetraj was one of the lawyers seen accompanying him.
A lawyer-activist, Sachpreetraj, has in the past been involved in cases concerning animal rights group, M Indira Gandhi’s battle with her ex-husband Muhammad Riduan Abdullah to recover her youngest daughter and the attempts by a Kelantan-based Orang Asli villagers to stop work on their ancestral land.
Sachpreetraj, a partner at Raj & Sach, described himself as dispute resolution lawyer with an emphasis on construction and commercial disputes.
Sachpreetraj Singh Sohanpal (right) and Rajesh Nagaraja flanking Daim Zainuddin’s wife Na’imah Khalid and her two sons at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya on Jan 10, 2024 – Photo: The Edge
The MACC had investigations of the 85-year-old suspected of corruption and money laundering. The agency has launched multiple investigations into allegations linked to large data dumps on the finances of high-profile Malaysians named in the Panama Papers and Pandora Papers. Those have resulted in the seizure of a Kuala Lumpur skyscraper owned by Daim’s family.
On Jan 27, Na’imah was charged in the Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur with failing to declare her assets, which include Menara Ilham and several properties in the federal capital and Penang. She was represented by lawyers Mohd Yusof Zainal Abiden, M Puravalen and Alex Tan.
Daim – whose full name is Che Abdul Daim Zainuddin – has also engaged former attorney-general (AG) Tommy Thomas. The bigwig, on behalf of Daim and their company Ilham Tower Sdn Bhd (ITSB), has filed a judicial review application to challenge the MACC’s action to freeze their accounts and subject them to investigation. The iconic tower is owned by Daim, Na’imah and Daim’s four children and ITSB.
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
Malaysia defeats Poland to enter the finals of the inaugural Hockey5s World Cup championships in January 2024 – Photo: FIH
By Prabhjot Singh | Oman |
The Netherlands could not have asked for more. It was crowned as the champions of the inaugural Hockey5s World Cup championships, both for men and women, with Asian teams – Malaysia (men) and India (women) – taking the second spot.
In the men’s final, the Netherlands won 5-2. Four days earlier, the Netherlands had defeated India in the women’s final.
Malaysia continues to look for its first ever FIH event title as it came so close but had to content with the second spot in Muscat as the first ever men’s FIH Hockey5s World Cup came to a thrilling conclusion.
Malaysia can be justifiably proud of its silver medal, having successfully built its senior side up from junior level over the past few years. Six of its players were part of the squad that clinched the gold medal at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, which was played in the Hockey5s format.
Meanwhile, there was home joy for hosts Oman as it overcame Poland in an exhilarating encounter to secure the bronze medal at its first ever FIH World Cup in any format. And Pakistan clinched the Challenger Trophy, for those teams that didn’t make it through to the quarter-finals, after a convincing victory over Switzerland.
The action-packed tournament saw a total of 507 goals being scored in total over the four days of matches in Muscat, Oman.
The Netherlands dominated the final with a 5-2 victory over Malaysia, but they didn’t have things all their own way. The Dutch went ahead from a challenge in the first minute, only for Malaysia to equalise from a rebound off the baseline a minute later.
The Dutch then built a 3-1 lead before half-time and looked comfortable. Malaysia hammered one in from long range in the opening minute of the second half, but failed to convert some very good opportunities in the riveting 10 minutes that followed, allowing the Dutch to reassert control and then fire in two late goals to secure the title.
Speaking after the match, Joey van Walstijn, who was later named the best goalkeeper of the tournament, said: “I think the strength of our team was that there was no star in the team itself. This prize is also for Koene Schaper, we did it together, we both played a good tournament. He did very well, I did very well, and the whole team performed and that’s what it’s all about.”
Hosts Oman rounded off its tournament with an enthralling 3-2 win over Poland in the bronze medal match. It was always going to be a tight encounter with neither team ranking among the top goal scorers at the tournament.
Oman attacked more in the early stages to go 1-0 up after seven minutes before conceding a goal just before the break. They regained the lead early in the second half and were effective at restricting Polish opportunities until an equaliser in the 25th minute.
However, the home side scored the winning goal a minute later, the ball deflecting in off the keeper’s back foot and barely crossing the line. It was enough, though, for a historic bronze medal.
Earlier, India had a point to prove against Egypt, having lost to it in the pool stage, and it came out firing in a 6-4 win for 5th place. India took early control of the game and raced to a five-goal lead before the Egyptians pulled one back just before the break. Egypt looked a completely different team in the second half but it was a case of too little too late.
Kenya also reversed its pool-stage loss to Trinidad and Tobago, beating it 7-5 to claim seventh spot. The game was free-flowing and always in the balance, Kenya’s Bethuel Masambu completing his hat-trick at the death to close out the match, while Trinidad and Tobago’s Akim Toussaint contributed a hat-trick in the losing cause.
Challenger Trophy
Pakistan were genuine top-eight contenders at this tournament but found themselves in the Challenger Trophy – the newly introduced trophy for those not making it through to the quarter-finals – after losing out in a very tough pool.
Pakistan showed its ability by cruising to a 10-1 win against Switzerland in the Challenger Trophy final, dominating every facet of play and denying the Swiss any opportunity to gain a foothold in the match.
Zikriya Hayat completed a hat-trick, taking Pakistan well clear of the pack with 57 team goals in the tournament, while Rana Waheed finished as top individual scorer with 23 goals.
In the 11th-place playoff Australia’s Liam Kerr-Nelson scored a hat-trick to help his team to a 6-4 win over New Zealand.
The USA triumphed in a 10-9 thriller against Nigeria for 13th place, Pat Harris and Alberto Montilla scoring hat-tricks for the American side while Nigeria’s Peter John and Sunday Godwin grabbed four and three goals each in a losing cause.
Fiji scored three goals in the 26th minute to steal a 4-2 win over Jamaica for 15th place.
Tournament awards: Best Goalkeeper: Joey van Walstijn (the Netherlands) Best Junior Player: Hannan Shahid (Pakistan) Top Scorer : Waheed Ashraf Rana (Pakistan) Best Player: Akhimullah Anuar (Malaysia)
Final positions: 1. Netherlands 2. Malaysia 3. Oman 4. Poland 5. India 6. Egypt 7. Kenya 8. Trinidad and Tobago 9. Pakistan 10. Switzerland 11. Australia 12. New Zealand 13. USA 14. Nigeria 15. Fiji 16. Jamaica
(Prabhjot Singh is a veteran journalist with over three decades of experience of 14 years with Reuters News and 30 years with The Tribune Group, covering a wide spectrum of subjects and stories. He has covered Punjab and Sikh affairs for more than three decades besides covering seven Olympics and several major sporting events and hosting TV shows.)
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
Manjinder Singh Sirsa, a past president of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), has seemingly twisted historical facts, to please the government of the day.
He has wrongly stated that Jathedar Bhai Bagel Singh had destroyed a mosque and built the Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib on the land. This statement is apparently designed to cover the destruction of the Babbari Masjid to build Ram Mandir in its place.
Takht Damdama Sahib former Jathedar Giani Kewal Singh had dispatched a statement to the Sikh News Express to straighten out the historical facts. (See video ‘Giani Jachak Strongly Criticizes Manjinder Sirsa for Distorting the History of Gurdwara Rakab Ganj’, SNN, 31 Jan 2024).
The historical facts are as follows:
Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha in the Mahan Kosh (the first encyclopaedia in Gurmukhi script) has stated that Makhan Shah Lubana with Guru Gobind Singh Ji had built Gurdwara Manji Sahib in 1707 at the place where the body of the ninth Sikh Guru Tej Bahadur was cremated.
Jatherdar Bhai Baghel Singh then built a bigger structure in 1790 at the same place.
There is no historical record of Sikhs having destroyed any religious place be it a mosque or temple.
Baba Banda Singh Bahadur and his forces preserved the Royal Mosque in Sirhind although they destroyed the whole city. In fact a Sikh Jit Singh cleaned and maintained the mosque. This is the city where the two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh were cruelly bricked alive by the Muslim leaders.
Guru Hargobind Sahib the sixth Guru built a mosque in Kartarpur for the Muslims.
The wonderful mosque near Rakab Ganj and the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) building is proof that no such thing occurred.
During the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh grants were distributed to all Hindu temples and mosques without any discrimination.
Hence, the statement of Manjinder Singh Sirsa is mischievous, factually incorrect and has political designs. Stern action needs to be taken by the Sikh institutions.
PROFILE
Baba Baghel Singh (1730 – 1802) was born in village Jhabal, District Amritsar. From humble beginnings he arose to become a formidable force in the area between River Sutlej and River Yamuna, according to this entry.
Karora Singh, head of the Karorsinghia Misl, was issue less and had adopted his personal servant, Baghel Singh, as his successor. After the death of Karora Singh in the battle of Taraori against the Nawab of Kunjpur in 1761, Baghel Singh who belonged to a poor Dhalival family succeeded him as head of the Karorsinghia Misl.As well as being a good soldier, Baba Baghel Singh was a very good political negotiator and was able to win over many an adversary to his side. The Mughals, the Ruhilas, the Marathas and British sought his friendship.
Baghel Singh remained in Delhi and built seven Gurudwaras to mark Sikh interests: Gurdwara Mata Sundri, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, Gurdwara Bala Sahib,Gurdwara Rakab Ganj,Gurdwara Sis Ganj, Gurdwara Moti Bagh, and Gurdwara Majnu Ka Tilla. The Khalsa as part of their negotiations received taxes from the Mughals, Warren Hasting, Governor-General of India(1773 to 1785) recorded in a minute presented to his council:
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
Missed by uncles, aunties, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces and a host of relatives and friends
| Entry: 1 Feb Jan 2024 | Source: Family
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
