THE Sri Dasmesh Pipe Band did the country proud at the World Pipe Band Championships 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland.
The band qualified for the finals and secured ninth place in Grade 4A, after being promoted from Grade 4B in 2019.
The band, led by pipe major Tirath Singh, drum sergeant Tripert Singh, head of mid- section Sukhpreet Kaur and pipe sergeant Bhupinderjit Singh, has competed in three world championships in 2015, 2019 and 2023.
Tirath attributed their staying power to their never-say-die attitude.
“We fell short of first place but will fight again and carry the Malaysian flag to the podium.”
Tripert said the band’s qualification to the final and ninth place showing was proof that Malaysians were world contenders.
Sukhpreet said their resilience was tested “but looking at what we achieved with such a young group, I’m excited to see how we do the next time.”
Bhupinderjit said the band fought through extreme weather conditions in Scotland to make it to the finals.
“It’s quite an achievement to finish ninth in our first attempt in Grade 4A, since almost half of the core comprised fresh recruits.”
Sri Dasmesh was the sole band from South-East Asia to have competed at the championships.
In a press release, the pipe band said funding remained their main challenge.
Operating on a voluntary basis, Sri Dasmesh does not charge membership fees and all those who join receive free training and instruments.
The band was founded in 1986 by airline pilot Sukdev Singh and his brother, Harvinder Singh, as a project to help Sikh youth cultivate discipline.
Since its inception, the band has participated in numerous events worldwide including Australia, Indonesia, Germany, United Kingdom and United States.
Sri Dasmesh relies on donations and usually only competes every four years due to financial constraints.
For details. go to www.facebook.com/sridasmesh/
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