News
Ramgarhia HC Player
– Harjeet Singh Chana
Harjeet Singh Chana, age 51, member of Namdhari Sikh Sangat Southall, left for his heavenly abode on Tuesday, December 11, 2007, following a collapse while training at the hockey pitch at Featherstone Sports Centre, Southall. Ramgharia HC was to experience history twice - only a few months ago the club lost a player in almost similar circumstances when he collapsed while taking part in the Satguru Pratap Singh Ji Hockey Tournamanet.al days. Being the oldest member of the family he set an example to the remaining children to lure a good education and professional careers.
In the UK he was united in marriage to Kanwaljeet Kaur daughter of Rattan Singh & Gian Kaur Ryatt. They were blessed with a daughter - Harnam Kaur.
Harjeet Singh was a member Namdhari Sikh Sangat Southall where he served as treasurer, on the management committee for several years. He was one of the most active members of the centre and his seva for the sangat, community and at large was unsurpassed. His participation was taken for guaranteed,be it a havan, varni or the Jap Prayogs. He was always the last to leave the centre after all major functions. All will miss his presence in the sangat.
Parallel to his devotion to the sangat, Harjeet had a glittering sports career. He was (naturally) associated with Field Hockey, a sport he took on-board in his days in Kenya. He was member of the current Ramgharia Hockey Club first eleven. In the 80's & 90's he was a key player for the Lions Hockey Club, Greenford. The Club clinched the National Hockey League Title. Whilst a member of the Hounslow Hockey club he was selected to represent the English indoor-hockey team. His living room is littered with the many trophies he collected! He played a pivotal role in promoting the annual Satguru Pratap Singh Ji Hockey Tournament. Harjeet was proud of the Namdhari Team from Sri Bhaini Sahib.
Harjeet is survived by his wife, Rani, his daughter Harnam, his brother Harpreet Singh and sister Jatinder. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, many friends, Ramgharia Hockey Team and the entire Namdhari community.
Funeral service for Harjeet Singh Chana was held at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, 16 December 2007, at Hendon Crematorium, West London,NW7 1NB. Later on the same day, from 3:30pm onwards a memorial service comprising of Naam Simram, Paath de Bhog & Kirtan was conducted at Namdhari Sikh Centre, Southall. Over 500 people attended these functions.
On Tuesday 18th Dec, a vigil was observed at Featherstone Sports Centre, Southall. Around 100 persons from the club, namdhari & ramgharia sangat braved the cold & chilled weather to attend this occasion. After a ardas, various speakers narrated their lifes & time with Harjeet. Gurtejpal Singh Chana, president of NSSS announced that a honorary program will be held at the Southall center on 19th January.
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Ramgarhia HC First XI Captain
– Jasbir Singh Pattowala
September 2007
One of our greatest players, finest captains, and beloved friend, died unexpectedly
on the pitch, at a tournament, on Sunday 16th September 2007 from
a rare heart genetic disorder. Jasbir, aged 32, played hockey
for various clubs through his hockey career – they included
Indian Gymkhana, Ashford, Teddington and county. He touched the lives of many on and off the pitch. Ramgarhia HC
was where Jasbir started his club hockey and where he came back
to play his remaining hockey days.
He was a formidable centre half and excellent utility player
– he was one of the best-known players in the hockey community.
He was a fit and healthy person who took command of the First
XI and guided them to promotion last year in his first year as
captain and fitness coach. He won ‘Player-of-the-season’
two years in a row and undoubtedly would have won it a third time
if it wasn’t for his premature departure.
The eldest of four children, Jasbir was born and grew up in West
London (Southall). He attended Featherstone School and went onto
Canterbury University. His professional career included Goldman
Sachs and Sandell Asset Management. Jasbir also served in the RAF.
He was on the RHC Committee and was well liked and bought
a professionalism to the club that only he could have done. It is
a great loss to the club.
His funeral took place on Tuesday 25th September 2007 at
12.45pm at Hanworth Crematorium. He is survived by his wife Inderjit
and 3 year old son Kai.
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