Abbotsford Sports Hall of Fame to welcome Punjabi pioneer in wrestling

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CHILLIWACK — An Abbotsford resident who helped establish the Miri-Piri Wrestling Club and serves as its president will be inducted into the Abbotsford Sports Hall of Fame.

According to a news release dated Tuesday, April 23, the wrestling club announced that Kulvinder Singh Kooner will be enshrined into the Abbotsford Sports Hall of Fame for his pioneering contribution to wrestling in Abbotsford where a sizable South Asian population exists.

Miri-Piri Wrestling Club was established on Kooner’s farm in 1996. The club originated in a small shed building with a small group of wrestlers estimated at a handful. Through the combined synergies of the executive committee, friends, community members, and wrestling parents, the club materialized and expanded with more mat space and many more athletes to boot.

“We have had an incredible number of provincial, national and international champions, medalists & Team Canada athletes come through Miri Piri Wrestling Club,” the club said in a statement.

The club says over 20 athletes from Miri-Piri Wrestling Club have been inducted into the Abbotsford Sports Wall of Fame. Kooner’s induction marks a historic moment, as he is the first Miri-Piri Wrestling Club member and the first Punjabi ever to be honoured in the Abbotsford Sports Hall of Fame.

The ceremony will be take place at the Abbotsford Legacy Sports Centre on May 11.

“Here’s to a well-deserved honour for a true pioneer and leader of the sport,” the club said. “Congratulations, Kulvinder Singh Kooner, on being immortalized in the Abbotsford Sports Hall of Fame!”