London (TIP): A week after the conclusion of the 2026 FIH World Cup Hockey Tournament, Olympians owing allegiance to Sikh Union Clubs, both in London and Nairobi, organized a prestigious certificate of recognition ceremony in London where 27 Sikh Union Olympians were felicitated. In May this year, the Sikh Union Club in Nairobi, one of the oldest Clubs of Sikh expatriates outside India, organized its centenary celebrations.
Manjinder (Munai) Singh Bansal, Chairman of the Sikh Union Club Centenary Celebrations Committee, specially travelled to London with Certificates of Recognition and other mementos.
Since many members of the Sikh Union have strong affiliations with both the Clubs in London and Nairobi, a function was a celebratory event was hosted as a remarkable Certificate of Recognition ceremony at Spencer Hockey Club, Tooting, and London on September 6. The special event saw honoring of the achievements and legacy of 27 outstanding Sikh Union Olympians and World Cup players, both living and passed on.
The Olympians attending were accompanied by family and friends (in the case of fallen Olympians or those who were physically 
challenged to attend were represented by their nominees) and marked a celebratory event which was a testament to the enduring spirit of Sikh Union Club Nairobi and the Olympic Games, and the profound impact of its athletes on the world of sport and beyond.
In attendance and to award the Certificates were Manjinder Singh Bansal (affectionately known as Munai Bansal), Chairman Centenary Ceremony Committee and Surjit Singh Rihal hosting the function on behalf of Sikh Union Club Nairobi.
A minute’s silence was observed by everyone standing up to offer a prayer in memory of all the Sikh Union Club Nairobi Fallen Olympians, (especially – whose families were present there that day). Surjit asked everyone to remember Reynold DeSouza in their prayers, one of Kenya’s oldest Olympians who played in 1956 and 1964 Olympic Games passed away recently in July, and Sarjit Singh of Malaysia who was at Sikh Union’s centenary celebrations in May, passed away about 2 weeks ago in August.
Sarjit represented Malaysia in the 1984 and 1992 Olympic Games. Everyone remembered in their prayers the hundreds of people who had lost their lives in the tragic floods on 26 August in Nepal. Surjit reminded everyone to remember in their prayers the 11 Israeli Olympians who lost their lives 54 years ago on 6 September in the 1972 Munich Olympic Games massacre, a terrorist attack by the Palestinian militant organization, Black September. A few Olympians present there that day were in the same Olympic village at the time.
Among those felicitated, several luminaries stood out for their extraordinary contributions to Sikh Union and the Olympic legacy:
The oldest Olympian Honored
The ceremony paid tribute to the oldest Olympian of Sikh Union among the recipients Surjeet Singh Deol who participated in Melbourne 1956 as the first captain of Kenya Olympic team and played in 1960 Rome Olympic Games. He played for Sikh Union from early 1940s till 1962. He will always be remembered as a true pioneer who broke barriers and continues to inspire generations with his enduring passion for sport. His son Ranjeev Singh Deol represented Canada in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Incidentally, his son, Ranjeev Deol, who represented Canada, was also among those honored.
The oldest living Olympian Honored
The ceremony paid tribute to the only living, oldest Olympian among the recipients, Joginder Singh Dhillon who participated in Melbourne 1956. He joined Sikh Union Club in the early 1950s. Unfortunately, because of his age and ill health, he was unable to attend.
Celebrating the Greatest of All Time
Avtar Singh Sohal was inducted into the Kenyan Hall of Fame being hailed as the “greatest of all time” captivating the audience with his unmatched record of achievements and unwavering dedication to the discipline. Rome 1960, Tokyo 1964, Mexico 1968 & Munich 1972, he is one of 3 Kenyan Olympians to have played in 4 Olympics, Captain in last 3 Olympics before becoming an International Umpire and FIH Coach in field hockey. He played for Sikh Union from around 1957 till 1975, captaining the team for many years. He received his Certificate of Recognition from Sikh Union recently in Nairobi.
Another Four-Time Olympic Participant
Surjeet Singh Panesar, Rome 1960, Tokyo 1964, Mexico 1968 & Munich 1972 – One of the three Olympians to have played in 4 Olympics; At the Munich 1972 Olympic Games, he became the first player to have played 31 matches, a record he held until 1988 when he was joined by Australia’s Richard Charlesworth. They both held this record until the London Olympic Games. Another highlight was the recognition of an Olympian who competed in four Olympic Games, exemplifying resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence over decades. He played for Sikh Union from around 1957 till 1989, captaining the team in 1974/75.
The most decorated Sikh hockey Olympian outside India
Kulbir Singh Bhaura accepted my invitation and was present at the function. He won a Bronze Medal in Los Angeles 1984 and Gold Medal in Seoul 1988 Olympic Games while playing for Great Britain.
He won a Silver Medal for England in the London 1986 World Cup.
Selected for the World XI team, Surjit Singh Rihal played in the 1972 Munich Olympic Games and was selected for the ‘World XI Team’. Captain of the Kenya team from 1973-1981. He was selected as the first ‘Hockey Player of the Year’ in 1976 by Kenya Hockey Union. He played for Sikh Union from 1969 till 1989, captaining the team in 1982/83.
There are many more noteworthy Kenyan Olympians living as well as fallen from the list of recipients on this occasion and to all they have a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.
The Certificate of Recognition: A Symbol of Pride and Dedication
The Certificate of Recognition represents more than just playing for Sikh Union and participation in the Olympic Games-it is a certificate of honor, signifying an athlete’s lifelong commitment to Sikh Union Club Nairobi and the Olympic values and their role as ambassadors of sport worldwide. Each recipient has left an indelible mark on their sport and their communities, serving as role models for aspiring athletes and advocates for the power of sport to unite the world.
This Certificate of Recognition ceremony was a momentous occasion, not only celebrating the achievements of these 27 remarkable individuals but also reflecting on the unifying power of sport. As the applause echoed through the venue, it was clear that the Sikh Union Club and Olympic spirit continue to shine brightly, inspiring a new generation of athletes and fans alike.
Surjit Singh Rihal who had organized the whole function and presented it gave a heartfelt vote of thanks to all who supported him in making this event possible. Surjit Singh expressed his sincere appreciation to the President and its Management of Spencer Club for making its facilities to hold this function. Special appreciation was extended to Tochi Panesar, Trustee of the Hockey Museum, and former President of Spencer Club for his kind assistance in facilitating the use of the venue. Services of Hockey Historian Dil Bahra were also lauded.
At the end of Surjit’s thanksgiving message, he asked everyone in the hall to stand up to raise a toast in the memory of the Founding Members and the Fallen Olympians of Sikh Union Club Nairobi.
(Prabhjot Singh is a Toronto-based senior journalist who writes on Sports, politics and community. He can be reached at prabhjot416@gmail.com)
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