The winning team and officials after the prize-giving ceremony with Jagjeet (second from right).
KUALA Lumpur’s Kelab Aman FC emerged champions in the third edition of the Jasmitt Singh Bhullar Challenge Trophy after it edged Negri Sembilan Sikh Union B (NSSU) on penalties in a thrilling final.
Kelab Aman converted all three penalties while NSSU missed one spotkick after the seven-a-side game ended in a stalemate at full time.
Thirteen teams took part in the biennial event organised by NSSU in memory of their former player and manager Jasmitt Singh Bhullar.
NSSU president M. Jagjeet Singh said Hangover FC, also from Kuala Lumpur, and Perak’s Brothers FC emerged third and fourth respectively at the tournament that was held at the IRC Arena near Seremban.
In the semifinals, Kelab Aman beat Brothers FC 2-0 while NSSU B edged Hangover FC 2-1.
“We last held the tournament in 2017 and could not organise it after that due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We are happy to be back after six years and are looking forward to more editions,” said Jagjeet.
The champion won RM1,000 in prize money while the runner-up received RM750. The third-placed team earned RM500 while the team in fourth spot received RM250.
All the players also received medals.
Jasmitt, an Arsenal fan, passed away on May 27, 2010, at the age of 23.
“He also excelled academically and was studying chemical engineering at Universiti Teknologi Petronas.
“While there, he became the university’s youngest Rotary president,” said Jagjeet, adding that Jasmitt was also an active volunteer with Gurdwara Sahib Seremban.
Jasmitt was a good footballer but his playing career was cut short after he underwent knee surgery.
He then took up coaching and built a strong NSSU team.
“Jasmitt was a stickler for discipline and through his coaching, managed to transform NSSU to the extent it could take on more established teams in tournaments such as the annual Malaysia Singapore Sikh Sports Festival,” said Jagjeet.
Citing an example, he said Jasmitt’s young team managed to secure third place in the festival in 2006.
“The effort he put into forming a team that could take on better teams was truly laudable.”
Present to give away the prizes were Jasmitt’s parents Capt (Rtd) Harmindar Singh Bhullar and Manjit Kaur as well as his sister Dr Simran Kaur.
