About this episode
Mildura Kabaddi Cup 2026: Sharanpreet Kaur Gill and Tanveer Singh Cheema
The roar of the crowd and the sheer power of community spirit are returning to Victoria. As the autumn air settles, the Punjabi diaspora is gearing up for one of the most anticipated events on the calendar: the 4th Mildura Kabaddi Cup.
In a recent heartwarming episode on Radio Haanji, host Preetinder Grewal sat down with the inspiring organizers Sharanpreet Kaur Gill and Tanveer Singh Cheema. As 10th-grade students and active members of the Shaheed Udham Singh Sports Club, they are the faces of a new generation leading this massive community festival. In this article, we explore their vision for the 2026 tournament and what spectators can expect on the big day.
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The Tradition of the Mildura Kabaddi Cup
The Mildura Kabaddi Cup is an annual celebration of traditional sports and community bonding. Now in its fourth year, the event has become a cornerstone for the Punjabi community in Mildura and across Victoria. Hosted by the Shaheed Udham Singh Sports Club, it serves as a vital bridge, connecting the younger generation with their heritage.
Mildura, located about six hours from Melbourne, transforms into a cultural hub during the tournament. The event has grown significantly, earning support from local government and councils due to its positive economic impact on regional tourism and local businesses like hotels and restaurants.
Sports Highlights: Kabaddi, Cricket, and Kho-Kho
While the Mother Sport of Kabaddi remains the main attraction, Sharanpreet Kaur Gill and Tanveer Singh Cheema highlighted that the 2026 edition is expanding its horizons to include a diverse range of athletic competitions.
New Additions for 2026
This year marks a historic debut for Cricket and Kho-Kho at the Mildura Cup. The Victorian Eagle Kho-Kho Squad from Melbourne will be making a special appearance, bringing the fast-paced, traditional tag game to the Mildura local stadium for the first time.
A Festival for Every Athlete
The tournament is designed to be a multi-sport festival, featuring:
Soccer: Competitive matches between local regional teams.
Volleyball and Tug-of-War: Traditional favorites (Rassa Kassi) that test strength and teamwork.
Women’s Events: Inclusive activities such as Musical Chairs have been organized specifically for women to ensure the whole family participates.
Community Spirit: Guru ka Langar and Sewa
No Punjabi gathering is complete without the spirit of Sewa (selfless service). Sharanpreet and Tanveer confirmed that Guru ka Langar will be served throughout the day. Free community meals will be available for all players and spectators, embodying the traditional values of equali
