Hockey legends hail Samia’s global sports bid

THE hockey family has lauded President Samia Suluhu for her commitment to promote the country’s sports and making it possible for players living outside the country reunite with domestic ones in  the special event on Tuesday evening.

Organised by Khalsa Sports Club of Dar es Salaam, the event was specially organised to honour the former hockey star, Canada-based, Tarlochan Sandhu.

The exciting event also saw some members of the national hockey team that took part in the Moscow Olympics in 1980, managed by Sundhu.

Moscow Olympic team members who turned out at the Tuesday Sandhu special day; are Tanzania Hockey Association (THA) Chairman Abraham Sykes, Taher Kitisa, Onali Salem and Sigori Tomas.

Bharya Sarbjit addressed the occasion saying they are very happy and thanked God to see the former players from after a long time.

“All this has been only possible because of the good works that have been put in place by President Suluhu, she opened Tanzania and kept telling people to come, there is no problem here, come and invest, build the country and you will get in return,” he insisted.

The hockey legends said the President is also doing a good job in promoting sports and stakeholders are ready to join her hand.

Sarbjit, who is Becco Limited Chief Executive Officer (CEO), also quickly responded to Dar es Salaam Hockey Association chairman, Savio Fernandes who appealed for the stakeholders to support the plan to construct a modern hockey stadium in Dar es Salaam.

He said is he ready to offer construction material at the site and 10m/- for the project.

Fernandes said it is not good that a big town like Dar es Salaam does not have that facility, only it relies on Barracks grounds.

The evening saw Sandhu receiving praises as a gifted hockey player, a leader and also mentor and support to many.

Sandhu also said it is time to join hands on constructing a hockey stadium as the government is self-kin on the development of sports only…

He was also overwhelmed with the honour and love he received back in the country and said the evening would be remembered forever.

“Complement for those who graced the occasion and our buddies who conveyed their greetings, because you gave me support throughout my life, be it Tanzania or in British Columbia, Canada, and have further energised me to continue serving the communities as long as Lord wants. It was so inspiring.

“Thanks, Kulvinder Rai & team, Khalsa SC, the ‘Daily News’ and community and sports leaders, including Tanzania Cricket Association (TCA) ex-international leaders for gracing the event. I salute and thank you all.”

Sandhu, who is still serving as a banker in Canada at age of 82, said sports are so important: “If I am standing here today is because of sports, it teaches us discipline, how to be complete, how to compete for self and pride, mutual respect and teamwork, partnership, adjustment.”

The USA-based Gurdial Singh Pardes said he is very impressed with Sandhu who inspired him to come to Tanzania, after being out for many years.

Pardes, who used to play badminton and hockey, was the team manager of a team that went to play in Zanzibar to celebrate CCM’s birth in 1977.

“Sandhu has made contributions to Tanzania in sports as global aspects and unification; sports are one activity that brings together people no matter what political contest, economically and social contest.

The USA-based Gurdial Singh Pardes said he is very impressed with Sandhu who inspire him to come to Tanzania, after being out for many years.

Pardes who used to play badminton and hockey was the team manager of a team that went to play in Zanzibar to celebrate CCM’s birth in 1977.

“Sandhu has made contributions to Tanzania in sports as global aspects and unification; sports are one activity that brings together people no matter what political contest, economically and social contest.