Shaheed Bhagat Singh Memorial Football Tournament: Sikh National College-Banga clinch title

The five-day 16th Shaheed Bhagat Singh Memorial Football Tournament, organised by the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Football Club, Garhshankar, concluded at Government Senior Secondary School, Garhshankar. Held under the leadership of club president advocate Jasvir Singh Rai, the event drew widespread participation and left an enduring impression on sports lovers of the region.

The highlight of the concluding day was the college category final, where Sikh National College, Banga, clinched the championship title in a nail-biting finish. After a goalless draw against DAV College, Phagwara, the match moved into penalty shootouts, where Banga’s team edged ahead with a narrow 10–9 victory. The champions were awarded a cash prize of ?51,000, while the runner-up team received a trophy for their remarkable performance.

Adding further vibrancy to the tournament, a large number of athletes participated in an inter-state athletic meet organised alongside the football competition. The athletic meet was inaugurated by former Member of Parliament Avinash Rai Khanna, who encouraged young sportspersons to pursue excellence with dedication and discipline.

A special attraction of the event was the tug-of-war competition, inaugurated by Kiranjit Singh Sandhu, nephew of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, accompanied by his wife Manjit Kaur Sandhu. Later, another segment of the tug-of-war event was inaugurated by Harjot Kaur Lohtia, AAP leader from Banga. Their presence added emotional and historical significance to the occasion, drawing attention to the legacy of the great martyr.

The prize distribution ceremony was conducted in the presence of distinguished guests, including Rajinder Chhabla, Jhalman Singh Bains (the UK), and Tirath Singh Rattu (the UK), who joined hands with the club leadership to honour the winners. During the closing ceremony, several personalities such as Ranjit Singh Cheema, Chairman of the Tubewell Corporation, social worker Hardev Singh Kahma, Kewal Goli, and other dignitaries graced the event with their presence. — OC

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