Tanzania’s Sporting Icon Honoured as Surrey’s Good Citizen

Kanu Rathod, head of the Cricket Legends of Tanzania, has applauded Tochi Singh Sandhu, a renowned sports figure, for being recognised as Surrey’s Good Citizen of the Year 2024 in Canada. 

The official ceremony will take place on Tuesday. Dinesh Vaishnav, a senior official from the Reunion Group, shared with the 'Sunday News' in Dar es Salaam that Rathod, on behalf of the organisation, praised the former cricket and hockey star for receiving such a prestigious award.

Vaishnav explained that the group sees this recognition as a major achievement not just for Sandhu but for the entire Reunion Group and Tanzania. Rathod further highlighted that it is a blessing and an acknowledgement of their shared values.

Reflecting on Sandhu’s accomplishments, Rathod expressed immense pride, stating that Sandhu’s recognition as Surrey’s Good Citizen is an honour for all who have grown up in Dar es Salaam. He added that Sandhu has made them all proud through this achievement.

In a formal letter, Surrey’s Mayor, Brenda Locke, expressed her congratulations to Sandhu. She wrote that the City Council was delighted to name him Surrey’s Good Citizen of the Year for 2024, acknowledging his outstanding service to the community for over 15 years. The mayor further mentioned that Sandhu’s volunteer work had greatly impacted Surrey and its people, which led to his selection after a rigorous nomination process.

Mayor Locke shared that the council had a tough decision due to the quality of the nominees but ultimately decided to honour both Sandhu and Rick Hugh for their exceptional contributions. She thanked Sandhu for his dedication to the community, noting that Surrey is fortunate to have such compassionate individuals helping build a better society.

In response, Sandhu extended his gratitude to the Reunion Group, attributing his recognition to the values he gained while growing up in Dar es Salaam. He explained that by showing care and respect for others, he had always received kindness in return, a principle that has guided him throughout his life. He credited Tanzania’s first president, Mwalimu Nyerere, for teaching him the importance of treating everyone equally and spoke of his pride in being born in Dar es Salaam.

The award ceremony is scheduled for Monday, September 23, 2024, at 7:00 PM in Canada and will be broadcast live at 5:00 AM on Tuesday in Tanzania.

Sandhu’s contributions to Tanzanian sports are legendary. A former national hockey player, he represented Tanzania at major competitions from 1963 to 1978 before relocating to Canada. He also led the Tanzanian national hockey team during the 1980 Moscow Olympics, Tanzania’s first and only team event at the Games.

In addition to his playing career, Sandhu has served in numerous leadership roles, including as Treasurer of the Tanzania Olympic Committee, Secretary of the Tanzania Hockey Association, and Chair of DCA. His influence extended beyond Tanzania, with key roles in African and Commonwealth sports organisations. 

Now at 84, Sandhu, who recently celebrated his birthday on September 18th, attributes his achievements to the support of those around him, emphasising that their encouragement gave him the energy to serve effectively.