In a heartwarming gesture of support for local sports talent, popular Punjabi singer Mankirt Aulakh gifted brand-new cars to kabaddi players during a special ceremony at Gurdwara Singh Shaheeda in Sohana village. The event, held on Wednesday, saw the singer personally hand over car keys to the athletes, fulfilling promises made earlier.
Ceremony Moves to Sacred Grounds After Tragic Incident
The car presentation was initially scheduled to take place during a kabaddi tournament in Sohana. However, the plans changed abruptly following the tragic and untimely death of noted kabaddi promoter Rana Balachauria at the tournament venue. Out of respect for the deceased and the somber mood, the event was cancelled. The gift ceremony was subsequently deferred and later organized at the gurdwara, providing a more solemn and respectful setting.
A Promise Kept to Flood-Affected Athletes
The inspiration for this generous act stems from Aulakh's recent involvement in flood relief work in Punjab. While visiting affected villages in Barnala district, the singer met two young women kabaddi players, Rajandeep Sharma and Jass Sharma, whose family home had collapsed due to the devastating floods. Moved by their plight, Aulakh not only provided financial assistance for rebuilding their house but also promised them a car on the spot.
True to his word, at the gurdwara ceremony, the sisters were gifted a Swift DZire car by Aulakh and his team. The players were visibly emotional as they received the keys, expressing their heartfelt gratitude to the singer and his associates.
Recognizing International Sporting Achievement
Another beneficiary of Aulakh's philanthropy was Jujhar Singh Jhary, an international kabaddi player hailing from Sohana village. Rupinder Singh Rupa Sohana, a member of Aulakh's team, explained the reason behind honoring Jhary. "He has represented Punjab on global platforms and brought recognition to Mohali and Sohana. Keeping this in mind, an i20 car has also been gifted to him by Mankirt Aulakh’s team," she stated.
Addressing the players at the ceremony, Mankirt Aulakh offered words of encouragement, saying, "You are my brothers and sisters. We will stand by you as much as we can. You just keep working hard with dedication." His gesture is seen as a significant boost for the kabaddi players, providing not just material support but also moral motivation to excel in their sporting careers.
The event highlighted the strong community bonds in Punjab and the role of public figures in nurturing local sports talent, especially in the wake of natural disasters like the recent floods.
