With the aim of uplifting Sikh youth, especially Sikligar Sikh youth through sports, the fourth season of the five-day Khalsa Cricket Cup, Jaipur spearheaded by Gurmat Gian Group Jaipur, saw 13 spirited teams from across India showcasing exemplary talent and sportsmanship with Team Bhai Taru Singh from Malviya Nagar, Jaipur winning the Khalsa Cricket Cup beating Sahibzada Ajit Singh Group Jaipur by 37 runs. A WSN report by Kamaljeet Singh.

Season 4 of the Khalsa Cricket Cup got off with the same zeal as seen in the previous years. Commencing the tournament with full gusto, the Khalsa Warriors team from Alwar set the tone with a 22-run victory against Singhs 11 from Jaipur. Subsequent matches highlighted the grit and determination of teams like Sidhus 11 from Panipat and Bhai Taru Singh’s squad from Malviya Nagar, Jaipur.

The nail-biting quarter-finals brought a mix of exhilaration and heartbreak, with the highlight being Bhai Taru Singh overcoming Sidhus 11 from Panipat by 49 runs. The semifinals pitted some of the strongest contenders against each other, setting up a thrilling final that had audiences on the edge of their seats.

When Bhai Taru Singh’s victory was finally sealed, the ground echoed with the joyous cries of “Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal,” symbolizing the unity and spiritual strength of the community.

This annual tournament is more than just cricket. For Sikligar Sikhs and other marginalized Sikh communities, it stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of sports. The organizers and supporters aim to help the Sikh youth tap into the discipline, dedication, and camaraderie inherent in sports, turning them away from the lure of drugs and other vices.

Like in Jaipur, in many other parts of India, cricketing tournaments by Sikligars are being conducted to harness their talent in a positive way. The main popular events include those in Raipur, Chattisgarh, and Nanded, Maharashtra.

The participating teams included -Sahibzada Ajit Singh (Jhalana Doongri, Jaipur), Bhai Taru Singh (Malviya Nagar, Jaipur), Singhs’ 11 (Jaipur), Khalsa Warriors (Alwar), Baba Fateh Singh Stricker (Jaipur), Jaipur Khalsa Warriors (Jaipur), Sidhus’ 11 (Panipat, Haryana), Fighting Falcons (Alwar), PB 11 (Jaipur), Bhai Taru Singh 11 (Malviya Nagar, Jaipur), King Warriors (Delhi), Bhai Mani Singh 11 (Khairthal), Khalsa Warriors (Jaipur), Jaipur Khalsa Warriors (Jaipur) and Hari Singh Nalwa (Jaipur).

Prominent personalities of Rajasthan, including industrialist-educationist Ajaypal Singh, former Chairman of the Rajasthan Housing Board graced the event.

“I am committed to supporting Sikh youth in not only cricket but also other sports like hockey, football, basketball, and badminton. It’s high time they got the platforms they deserve,” Ajaypal Singh told The World Sikh News.

“I am committed to supporting Sikh youth in not only cricket but also other sports like hockey, football, basketball, and badminton. It’s high time they got the platforms they deserve.”

Ajaypal Singh, industrialist, educationist, philanthropist and Sikh community leader

This sentiment was echoed by others such as Jasbir Singh, former Chairman of the Minorities Commission, and Manjinder Singh Bagga, Chairperson of Punjabi Academy Rajasthan.

Their presence and encouragement underscored the community’s commitment to nurturing young talents and ensuring they have every opportunity to shine.

Organizers Jasbir Singh of the Jaipur Development Authority, Amrit Singh, and Jitender Singh, who have dedicated themselves to elevating this event over the years have laboured hard to give a new twist to the lives of beleaguered Sikligar Sikhs.

“Our primary aim through this Cricket Cup is to reach out and connect with Sikh youth and Sikligar Sikh youth from different parts of the country.”

Amrit Singh, organiser, Khalsa Cricket Cup, Jaipur

Speaking to WSN, the co-organiser of the event Amrit Singh shed light on their motive behind the initiative, saying “Our primary aim through this Cricket Cup is to reach out and connect with Sikh youth and Sikligar Sikh youth from different parts of the country.”

His compatriot Jasbir Singh, who lay the foundation of various schemes to empower the Sikligar Sikhs, added: “The underlying theme of the Khalsa Cricket Cup is to inspire our young Sikh generation to delve deeper into Sikhi and understand its profound teachings.”

Amrit Singh, alongside committee members Jasvinder Singh and Jitender Singh, emphasized the unique aspects of the tournament. “We’ve established certain policies for participating “Every player must be in Sikhi Saroop, which means they should have covered hair and untrimmed beards. This isn’t just a game for us; it’s about upholding our traditions and values.”

“The Khalsa Cricket Cup bridges sports and Sikh values.”

The organizers also explained the choice of cricket for this initiative. “We’ve observed a growing interest in cricket among Sikh boys. While there is a budding passion for hockey as well, our current focus is on cricket as it seems to resonate more with the youth,” added Jasvinder Singh.

“The underlying theme of the Khalsa Cricket Cup is to inspire our young Sikh generation to delve deeper into Sikhi and understand its profound teachings.”

Jasbir Singh, pioneer -Sikligar Sikhs education movement in Jaipur

Through initiatives like the Khalsa Cricket Cup, the Sikh community showcases the transformative power of sports in changing lives. It’s not just about the runs scored or wickets taken, but the countless dreams realized and futures secured. And for that, every participant, supporter, and organizer deserves accolades.

However, this isn’t the end of their sporting journey. As interest grows, the team is considering the inclusion of other sports. “We’ve noticed an uptick in youngsters showing enthusiasm for hockey. We’re keen on exploring that avenue soon. These sports initiatives are instrumental in fostering Sikhi values among our youth,” shared Jitender Singh.

“This isn’t just about winning a match. It’s about winning at life, staying fit, building relationships, and most importantly, realizing dreams.”

Beyond the realm of sports, the organizers highlighted other community efforts. “Apart from the cricket initiative, we have ongoing Gurmat and computer classes. These are designed to equip our children with both spiritual understanding and the essential skills required in this digital age,” concluded Amrit Singh.

“This isn’t just about winning a match. It’s about winning at life, staying fit, building relationships, and most importantly, realizing dreams,” remarked Jasbir Singh.