Modi presents trophy named after Sikh soldier to Australian PM
Wednesday, 19/11/2014
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CANBERRA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented the Man Singh Trophy, a prized possession of Sikh Regiment battalions, to his Australian counterpart Tony Abbott at the War Memorial here on Tuesday to commemorate his visit.
In his first engagement in the Australian capital, Modi, accompanied by Abbott, arrived at the War Memorial early morning. He had reached Canberra on Monday night on the third leg of his four-city tour of Australia from Sydney on a special Air India plane.
Modi presented the trophy to Abbott and also signed the visitor’s book at the memorial.
The trophy, originally in silver, was presented to the Officers’ Mess 14 (King George’s own) Sikhs in the year 1919. The officers of the battalion, who served in the unit during the First World War in Egypt, Gallipoli, Sinai and Mesopotamia from October 1914 to May 1917, had made it in commemoration of the gallant actions of their soldiers during the First World War.
The trophy is named after Man Singh who was recognised as a great soldier for his qualities of character, professional skill, sheer physical prowess and agility.
Approximately 6 feet and 4 inches tall, Singh was said to be so strong of limbs that he was able to jump over high-wire obstacles and broad ditches comfortably.
The trophy has some peculiarities like the shoes worn by Singh appear to be on the wrong feet; the satchel on his back is hanging from one strap only; in place of grenades, cans of condensed milk are seen in the trenches and the bolt of the rifle is in the unlock position.
The trophy was presented to the Sikh Regiment Centre by 1 Sikh ( now 4 MECHINF) on the completion of 125 years of its glorious service.
All the Sikh Regiment battalions also have a replica of the trophy in bronze.
