Sporting N-Day in Kelana Jaya

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THE Kelana Jaya SS5C Rukun Tetangga sector’s National Day celebrations were unique with the sector hosting sports events, buka puasa as well as the raising of the Jalur Gemilang.

The sector’s chairman, Sanggat Singh, said they had teamed up with the Kelana Jaya Kabaddi Club (KJKC) and SportsUnite Sports Club for the event.

“We wanted the residents from around Kelana Jaya to get together to celebrate National Day. And, since it was the fasting month, we also wanted our Muslim friends to be part of the event. After discussions, all three parties agreed to include a kabaddi competition as part of the National Day celebrations,” Sanggat said.

The best players: Guanaseagarn (second from right) with (from left) Ravivarma, Mohd Fais and Partiban.

SportsUnite Sports Club chairman Datuk Dina Rizal said he was impressed with the KJKC and the RT sector’s sincere efforts to celebrate National Day in a meaningful way.

“The kabaddi championship featured teenagers of different races getting together for a sporting activity. Some of the players were fasting but still had a good time mingling freely with the others. The respect was mutual. These are the qualities we should instil in the younger generation,” Dina said.

The KJKC players were divided into four teams. Each team comprised players of two different races and a combination of various age groups.

KJKC coach R. Akilan said they had organised the event to popularise kabaddi among the residents.

“Kabaddi is a fun event. We have groomed players to represent the district, state and country. Three of our juniors have earned call-ups to attend the centralised training programme for the Asian Junior championship later this month.

Patriotic act: Sanggat (standing, left) raising the Jalur Gemilang with the KJKC players.

“Mohd Fais Firdaus Ahmad Khairi has been with the club for the past four years, and has made KJKC proud by being picked to attend the national juniors’ training programme. We hope to see him making an impact in the junior championship,” Akilan said.

Mohd Fais, a student of SMK Bandar Sunway, was voted the Best Defender while R. Parthiban was the Best Player and P. Ravivarma, the Best Raider.

KJKC president Guanaseagarn Sammuel said they were committed to playing a role in the promotion and development of kabaddi among students in Kelana Jaya.

“We have excellent support from the RT sector, Milo and SportsUnite Sports Club. We don’t confine our participation to kabaddi alone; we are also active in futsal and we will be starting a netball training programme soon,” Guanasea-garn said.

Businessman R. Permal, who gave the prizes to the individual award winners, praised the organiser for initiating the programme.