Kila Raipur games offer foreigners a gateway to Punjab's rich culture

KILA RAIPUR (LUDHIANA): With Kila Raipur games kicking off on Friday after a gap of four years, several foreign visitors and NRIs on their visit to India grabbed the opportunity to catch live action of Punjab's 'Rural Olympics'.

Visiting Punjab for the first time, 21-year-old Amalie Kristen, a student from Bjerringbro in Denmark, came calling to the mega sporting event after reading about it online. "I thought of experiencing the rich tradition and vibrant culture of Punjab. I reached here last night. People here have been kind and humble as well," said Amalie. "Though I haven't had Punjabi food till now, but would love to have it."

Foreign visitors included 62-year-old Catherin Bell from Annect in France, who had attended Hola Mohalla event in the state last year. "I have come to see the event and experience the culture of the state. I will be here for all the three days as I am staying with a family in Hoshiarpur," said Catherin. She relished 'makki ki roti' and 'sarson ka saag' and found it a bit spicy.

A vlogger was among the foreign visitors at the event. Dewey, 23, from Seoul, said he is in India for a few months and has visited Mumbai, Pune, Udaipur, Jaisalmer before coming to Punjab. He said he is excited to be at the sports event and feels nice to be in the state.

Dewey said he found the people here as "big hearted" and helpful in nature.

Meanwhile, a number of NRIs from Canada, United States, United Kingdom (UK) have also come to see the festival. Vancouver-based Kuldeep Singh Grewal, 70, who originally belonged to Kila Raipur, who is also called with name Guddu Canada, said he had coming to watch the sports festival for several decades now. He said in 2020 and 2021, he couldn't come to India because of Covid.

Among the oldest participants, 90-year-old Teja Singh Phallewal surprised many with his fitness and health. Teja Singh won the prize of Rs 3,000 by winning the second place in 100 metres race of elderly people aged over 80 years. Belonging to Ludhiana district, Teja Singh had been participating in races since 1994. A 7-year-old girl, Gunjan, was one the youngest participants in the games.


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