On any given Sunday, a mini football tournament might just be the antidote to a hectic week of work.
And if you’ve got four other mates who are in need of the same sporting rush, the Dr Balaji Sadasivan Football Fives (DBSFF) – an annual five-a-side football tournament – might be the perfect weekend activity on Dec 1.
Since its launch in 2011 by the Narpani Pearavai Youth Sub-Committee, the tournament, now in its 12th year, has become a mainstay for many among Singapore’s Indian youth.
Last year, Narpani Pearavai partnered with the Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA), and this year’s edition – on Dec 1 at Kick Off! @ Kovan – marks the second year of this collaboration.
“The tournament honours the late Dr Balaji Sadasivan, a dedicated political leader and advocate for youth and community engagement,” said Narpani Council vice-chairman Niranjana Kumararaj.
“It is guided by his vision of using sports as a means to unite and empower youth, a vision he strongly championed throughout his life.”
Dr Sadasivan, a neurosurgeon by profession, was a minister and held several portfolios from 2001 until his death in 2010. He was also an adviser to Narpani Pearavai, also known as the People’s Association Indian Activity Executive Committees (IAEC) Council.
His wife, Dr Ma Swan Hoo, has been the guest of honour at the tournament since its inception and continues to play an active role in supporting his vision.
Typically featuring some 300 players of all ages, the competition comprises five categories this year across various age groups: Boys’ secondary school challenge, men’s under-21, men’s under-35, women’s open (for ages 16 to 35) and a men’s open (for ages 16 and above).
Teams in the men’s categories may include up to two players of non-Indian descent, while teams competing in the women’s open must include at least two players of Indian descent, so as to promote diversity among female participants.
Registration fees are priced at $120 per team entry ($100 for early bird registration) and winning teams stand to win up to $1,000 in cash. The tournament is open to all Singaporeans and permanent residents.
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