Wrestling

Interview with Mohinder Singh Gill. Mohinder (Moe) Singh Gill was born in Chanawal, Punjab, India. When he was a child, he travelled with his mother and sister in 1955 to Canada. His father, Major Singh Gill, was already living in British Columbia. Moe Gill first worked at a sawmill, and later, he and his father were able to purchase a farm in Abbotsford and both began working there soon after. An active member of the community, Moe Gill was elected as a city councilor in 1995, and continued in this role for many years. In this interview, Moe Gill speaks about his brief career as a wrestler. He also speaks about his retirement.

Transcript of an interview with Mohinder Singh Gill. Mohinder (Moe) Singh Gill was born in Chanawal, Punjab, India. When he was a child, he travelled with his mother and sister in 1955 to Canada. His father, Major Singh Gill, was already living in British Columbia. Moe Gill first worked at a sawmill, and later, he and his father were able to purchase a farm in Abbotsford and both began working there soon after. An active member of the community, Moe Gill was elected as a city councilor in 1995, and continued in this role for many years. In this interview, Moe Gill speaks about his brief career as a wrestler. He also speaks about his retirement.

Creator: Dhaliwal, Paul Singh

Interview with Mr. Paul Singh Dhaliwal describing his life, particularly focusing on his move to Canada and the changes he faced. Mr. Dhaliwal's father lived in Canada for several years but died before bringing his family to Canada. Paul Singh came to Canada in 1932 at the age of 16 and lived with his uncle, Bhagat Singh. While on his journey to Canada he met some people who helped him cook his food and get his health examination done. He and his uncle used to work at Greenlake Mill. After that mill shut down in winter, he lived with his uncle in Abbotsford where his uncle had property and a house, before going to Ducan to work at Hillcrest mill. During the Second World War, Dhaliwal attempted to sign up for service, but was denied after taking the medical exams. During the war, it was easy for him to find work. After the war, and after the British left, it was easier for him to travel to India and back. In 1945, he was spotted by an American promoter while wrestling and he was given a passport, allowing him to travel. He went from place to place and wrestled in high profiled matches. He made hundreds of dollars per match. In 1950 he decided to quit wrestling and was married. Afterward, he focused mostly on his trucking business. This is a full length interview recorded at Mr. Paul's residence.

Creator:

Photograph of a wrestling match (pehlwani) at the Khalsa Diwan Society's Annual Sports Day 2006, hosted at the Khalsa Diwan Society Gurdwara in Vancouver, B.C.

"Pehlwani" or "Kushti" is a form of wrestling developed in the Mughal Empire and popularized within the Indian continent. It combines the traditional wrestling forms of Persian "koshti pahlavani" and Indian "malla-yuddha." Typically played in a circular area with a dirt/mud floor, the sport is won by pinning the opponent's shoulders and hips to the ground. This sport emphasizes strength and technique without striking the opponent.

The Khalsa Diwan Society is a pioneer Sikh society, one of the oldest in Vancouver, formed on July 22, 1902 in British Columbia, Canada, formally established in 1906. In 1908, the Society purchased and built the first Sikh temple in Vancouver, which was located on West 2nd Avenue. This is believed to be the first Sikh temple in the whole of the American continent. This temple served the Sikh community until a new temple was occupied on April 25, 1970. The original temple was sold to build a bigger (present) temple located on Ross Street. The Khalsa Diwan Society has been a pioneer in raising Sikhi related issues and getting recognition for Sikhs in Canada. It continues to build a strong community based on Sikhi values and principles. Every year the society organizes sports activities, including soccer and wrestling tournaments.

Creator:

Photograph of a wrestling match (pehlwani) at the Khalsa Diwan Society's Annual Sports Day 2006, hosted at the Khalsa Diwan Society Gurdwara in Vancouver, B.C.

"Pehlwani" or "Kushti" is a form of wrestling developed in the Mughal Empire and popularized within the Indian continent. It combines the traditional wrestling forms of Persian "koshti pahlavani" and Indian "malla-yuddha." Typically played in a circular area with a dirt/mud floor, the sport is won by pinning the opponent's shoulders and hips to the ground. This sport emphasizes strength and technique without striking the opponent.

The Khalsa Diwan Society is a pioneer Sikh society, one of the oldest in Vancouver, formed on July 22, 1902 in British Columbia, Canada, formally established in 1906. In 1908, the Society purchased and built the first Sikh temple in Vancouver, which was located on West 2nd Avenue. This is believed to be the first Sikh temple in the whole of the American continent. This temple served the Sikh community until a new temple was occupied on April 25, 1970. The original temple was sold to build a bigger (present) temple located on Ross Street. The Khalsa Diwan Society has been a pioneer in raising Sikhi related issues and getting recognition for Sikhs in Canada. It continues to build a strong community based on Sikhi values and principles. Every year the society organizes sports activities, including soccer and wrestling tournaments.

Creator:

Photograph of a wrestling match (pehlwani) at the Khalsa Diwan Society's Annual Sports Day 2006, hosted at the Khalsa Diwan Society Gurdwara in Vancouver, B.C.

"Pehlwani" or "Kushti" is a form of wrestling developed in the Mughal Empire and popularized within the Indian continent. It combines the traditional wrestling forms of Persian "koshti pahlavani" and Indian "malla-yuddha." Typically played in a circular area with a dirt/mud floor, the sport is won by pinning the opponent's shoulders and hips to the ground. This sport emphasizes strength and technique without striking the opponent.

The Khalsa Diwan Society is a pioneer Sikh society, one of the oldest in Vancouver, formed on July 22, 1902 in British Columbia, Canada, formally established in 1906. In 1908, the Society purchased and built the first Sikh temple in Vancouver, which was located on West 2nd Avenue. This is believed to be the first Sikh temple in the whole of the American continent. This temple served the Sikh community until a new temple was occupied on April 25, 1970. The original temple was sold to build a bigger (present) temple located on Ross Street. The Khalsa Diwan Society has been a pioneer in raising Sikhi related issues and getting recognition for Sikhs in Canada. It continues to build a strong community based on Sikhi values and principles. Every year the society organizes sports activities, including soccer and wrestling tournaments.

Creator:

Photograph of a wrestler (pehlwan) attempting to pin down his opponent during the Khalsa Diwan Society's Annual Sports Day 2006, hosted at the Khalsa Diwan Society Gurdwara in Vancouver, B.C.

"Pehlwani" or "Kushti" is a form of wrestling developed in the Mughal Empire and popularized within the Indian continent. It combines the traditional wrestling forms of Persian "koshti pahlavani" and Indian "malla-yuddha." Typically played in a circular area with a dirt/mud floor, the sport is won by pinning the opponent's shoulders and hips to the ground. This sport emphasizes strength and technique without striking the opponent.

The Khalsa Diwan Society is a pioneer Sikh society, one of the oldest in Vancouver, formed on July 22, 1902 in British Columbia, Canada, formally established in 1906. In 1908, the Society purchased and built the first Sikh temple in Vancouver, which was located on West 2nd Avenue. This is believed to be the first Sikh temple in the whole of the American continent. This temple served the Sikh community until a new temple was occupied on April 25, 1970. The original temple was sold to build a bigger (present) temple located on Ross Street. The Khalsa Diwan Society has been a pioneer in raising Sikhi related issues and getting recognition for Sikhs in Canada. It continues to build a strong community based on Sikhi values and principles. Every year the society organizes sports activities, including soccer and wrestling tournaments.

Creator:

Photograph of a wrestler (pehlwan) attempting to pin down his opponent during the Khalsa Diwan Society's Annual Sports Day 2006, hosted at the Khalsa Diwan Society Gurdwara in Vancouver, B.C.

"Pehlwani" or "Kushti" is a form of wrestling developed in the Mughal Empire and popularized within the Indian continent. It combines the traditional wrestling forms of Persian "koshti pahlavani" and Indian "malla-yuddha." Typically played in a circular area with a dirt/mud floor, the sport is won by pinning the opponent's shoulders and hips to the ground. This sport emphasizes strength and technique without striking the opponent.

The Khalsa Diwan Society is a pioneer Sikh society, one of the oldest in Vancouver, formed on July 22, 1902 in British Columbia, Canada, formally established in 1906. In 1908, the Society purchased and built the first Sikh temple in Vancouver, which was located on West 2nd Avenue. This is believed to be the first Sikh temple in the whole of the American continent. This temple served the Sikh community until a new temple was occupied on April 25, 1970. The original temple was sold to build a bigger (present) temple located on Ross Street. The Khalsa Diwan Society has been a pioneer in raising Sikhi related issues and getting recognition for Sikhs in Canada. It continues to build a strong community based on Sikhi values and principles. Every year the society organizes sports activities, including soccer and wrestling tournaments.

Creator:

Photograph of two wrestlers (pehlwans) in their starting positions for a wrestling match during the Khalsa Diwan Society's Annual Sports Day 2006, hosted at the Khalsa Diwan Society Gurdwara in Vancouver, B.C.

"Pehlwani" or "Kushti" is a form of wrestling developed in the Mughal Empire and popularized within the Indian continent. It combines the traditional wrestling forms of Persian "koshti pahlavani" and Indian "malla-yuddha." Typically played in a circular area with a dirt/mud floor, the sport is won by pinning the opponent's shoulders and hips to the ground. This sport emphasizes strength and technique without striking the opponent.

The Khalsa Diwan Society is a pioneer Sikh society, one of the oldest in Vancouver, formed on July 22, 1902 in British Columbia, Canada, formally established in 1906. In 1908, the Society purchased and built the first Sikh temple in Vancouver, which was located on West 2nd Avenue. This is believed to be the first Sikh temple in the whole of the American continent. This temple served the Sikh community until a new temple was occupied on April 25, 1970. The original temple was sold to build a bigger (present) temple located on Ross Street. The Khalsa Diwan Society has been a pioneer in raising Sikhi related issues and getting recognition for Sikhs in Canada. It continues to build a strong community based on Sikhi values and principles. Every year the society organizes sports activities, including soccer and wrestling tournaments.

Creator:

Photograph of two wrestlers (pehlwans) in their starting positions for a wrestling match during the Khalsa Diwan Society's Annual Sports Day 2006, hosted at the Khalsa Diwan Society Gurdwara in Vancouver, B.C.

"Pehlwani" or "Kushti" is a form of wrestling developed in the Mughal Empire and popularized within the Indian continent. It combines the traditional wrestling forms of Persian "koshti pahlavani" and Indian "malla-yuddha." Typically played in a circular area with a dirt/mud floor, the sport is won by pinning the opponent's shoulders and hips to the ground. This sport emphasizes strength and technique without striking the opponent.

The Khalsa Diwan Society is a pioneer Sikh society, one of the oldest in Vancouver, formed on July 22, 1902 in British Columbia, Canada, formally established in 1906. In 1908, the Society purchased and built the first Sikh temple in Vancouver, which was located on West 2nd Avenue. This is believed to be the first Sikh temple in the whole of the American continent. This temple served the Sikh community until a new temple was occupied on April 25, 1970. The original temple was sold to build a bigger (present) temple located on Ross Street. The Khalsa Diwan Society has been a pioneer in raising Sikhi related issues and getting recognition for Sikhs in Canada. It continues to build a strong community based on Sikhi values and principles. Every year the society organizes sports activities, including soccer and wrestling tournaments.