MHF vice-president Datuk Dr S.S. Cheema (centre) with Malaysian soccer legend Santokh Singh at the opening of the futsal/hockey/netball court at Wada Gurdwara Kampung Pandan.
Gatka (Sikh martial art) performance at the cement hockey/futsal court opening.
Traditional music before the official opening of the cement futsal/hockey/netball court.EDITORS NOTE: It is a challenge to attract Sikh youth to Gurdwaras these days. Kg Pandan Gurdwara's small step should be emulated by Gurdwaras around the world, as sports is a great platform to guide those who have forgotten the route to their Gurdwaras.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Wada Gurdwara Kampung Pandan reached a new milestone when it launched a multi-purpose cement court at its premises on 10.10.10.
It became the first sports facility built in the premises of a gurdwara in Malaysia, and possibly in the world.
The RM35,000 cement court will be used for futsal, hockey and netball matches.
"As a sports loving faith, we decided to pass the hat around and collected enough money to build the cement court so that our children, and students around Kampung Pandan will be able to play futsal, hockey and netball at the gurdwara grounds," said former national hockey player Avtar Singh, who is also the organising chairman on Sunday.
The multi-purpose court was officially opened by Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) vice-president Datuk Dr. S.S. Cheema.
Also present at the opening ceremony were former football great Santokh Singh, national hockey captains DSP Mohinder Singh and Sarjit Singh Chaal, and the president of Malaysia- Singapore Sikh Sports Council, Datuk Sohan Singh Randhawa.
"This is the second such facility to be opened by Sikhs to promote sports in the country.
"The first was at Kelab Aman which received a tremendous response after it was launched a month ago.
"The Sikhs have the distinction of being great sportsmen in Malaysia, and with these facilities we will continue to support the nation's quest to become a sporting power in the world," said Cheema.
Cheema added there are plans to adopt a school in the Kampung Pandan area for its sport programme.
"There are many schools around this gurdwara, and we hope to adopt one and allow students to train and play at the cement court."
For information on coaching clinics at the multi- purpose court, contact Avtar Singh at 017-3565 180 or Hardip Singh at 012-2967 878.
