Sanawar Alumni to Organise 8th Rajesh Puri Memorial Inter-House Cricket Tournament at PCA Mullanpur

The Old Sanawarian Society (OSS), the official alumni body of The Lawrence School, Sanawar, is set to host the 8th Rajesh Puri Memorial Inter-House Cricket Tournament 2026 on March 7 and 8 at the prestigious PCA Stadium, Mullanpur.

The details of the much-anticipated sporting event were announced during a press conference attended by Jaideep S. Chandail, Vice President of the Old Sanawarian Society; Navjot Singh Jammu, Joint Secretary of OSS and Captain of Siwalik House; Gurnav Bhatti, Owner of GB Legends; Udaykaran Khatra, Captain of Himalaya House; Mayank Oberoi, Captain of Nilagiri House; and Revant Gupta, Captain of Vindhya House.

During the briefing, the official team jerseys were ceremonially unveiled by Gurnav Bhatti, Amit Sood, CEO of GB Legends, and Durgesh Tuknayat, an alumnus from the OS Batch of 1986. The match draw for the tournament was also conducted on the occasion.

Instituted in memory of the revered mathematics teacher Late Rajesh Puri, who dedicated nearly three decades of service to the institution, the tournament commemorates his enduring legacy of mentorship, discipline and academic excellence that profoundly shaped generations of students.

Speaking at the press conference, Jaideep S. Chandail stated that the event has grown into one of the most anticipated sporting reunions for Sanawar alumni, bringing together accomplished professionals who remain united by their deep-rooted connection with the institution.

He remarked that the tournament symbolises the timeless Sanawarian ethos of camaraderie, leadership and collective spirit, while also serving as a tribute to a teacher whose dedication left a lasting imprint on countless lives.

The tournament has received corporate support from GB Realty through its sports initiative GB Legends, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to promoting sporting culture and community engagement.

Gurnav Bhatti, Owner of GB Legends, emphasised that sports play a crucial role in nurturing character, discipline and teamwork. He expressed pride in supporting the Old Sanawarian Society in sustaining a meaningful sporting tradition while inspiring both alumni and younger generations.

According to Navjot Singh Jammu, Joint Secretary of OSS, the four historic Sanawar houses — Himalaya, Siwalik, Vindhya and Nilagiri — will compete in six competitive 15-over matches spread across two days. Nearly 60 alumni participants, including corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, former Ranji players, doctors and legal experts, will participate in the tournament.

Udaykaran Khatra, Captain of Himalaya House, revealed that the tournament will be graced by Mrs. Krishna Puri, a former teacher at Sanawar and the wife of the late Rajesh Puri. She will join the alumni in honouring and remembering her husband’s invaluable contribution to the institution. He also added that the matches will be live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube, enabling Sanawarians across India and abroad to witness the tournament.

Mayank Oberoi, Captain of Nilagiri House, informed that the closing ceremony on March 8 will be attended by distinguished dignitaries. Pooja Gupta, State Information Commissioner, Punjab, will grace the event as the Chief Guest, while Gurinder Bhatti, Founder and Chairman of GB Realty, will attend as the Guest of Honour.

Revant Gupta, Captain of Vindhya House, stated that several other eminent personalities are also expected to attend the concluding ceremony. Among them will be Himmat Singh Dhillon, Headmaster of The Lawrence School, Sanawar; Justice Rajive Bhalla; and Sunil Gupta, Honorary Treasurer of PCA, along with other notable guests.

The tournament will conclude with an awards ceremony recognising outstanding performances. Honors including Player of the Tournament, Best Batsman, Best Bowler, Rookie of the Tournament and Best Fielder will be presented to the deserving participants.