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First turbaned
Sikh in football team in Canada
WSN Network
 SURREY:
The Sikh face in sports is changing. And it is not changing in just
one sport. From Monty Panesar in cricket to Darsh Singh in
basketball, we know have a full-bearded and turbaned football player
in Navraj Singh Bassi of Vancouver. If he plays this season on 4
July, as expected, he will create sports history by becoming the
first bearded and turbaned player to play football, not just in
Canada, but anywhere.
This was one game
that never generated interest among the Sikhs, probably because it
also involves use of the forehead to hit the ball and many Sikhs
find that turban could be a hindrance.
The 6’6’ feet tall, University of Oregon student, vegetarian
pizza guzzler, who refused sponsorships from many football clubs to
remain nearer home, is likely to make history a the Canadian
Football league as a member of team member of the Grey Cup Champion,
Saskatchewan
Rough Riders.
A fantastic player and a nice person, Navraj Singh is likely
to need all his size and weight to play defense and forward in the
team.
 His
brother Pavan is a Super Heavyweight champion and his father,
Kulwinder Singh Bassi supports his son’s football interest
completely providing him all opportunities to practice and play. The
elated father is hopeful of his son’w prospects. It is expected
that the Punjabi Diaspora will be there in Vancouver in large
numbers on 4th July to cheer up Navraj and
his team.
For Bassi and his extremely supportive family, including father
Kulwinder Singh Bassi and champion boxer brother Pavan Singh Bassi,
playing in the big leagues is a dream come true for the
multi-talented player who began playing football in Surrey at the
age of 10.
4
June,
2008
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