A Night of Badminton, Beef Curry, and Benevolence: Charity Tournament at Delhi 6 Lounge

On the 12th of January, 2024, Joynul and I embarked on an evening filled with good food, great company, and a noble cause. We joined friends, relatives, and fellow community members at Delhi 6 Lounge on Dean Road in South Shields for the Ocean Badminton Academy Charity Badminton Tournament for Palestine 2024. Our mission? To raise funds for Palestinians suffering under the ongoing genocidal onslaught by the evil Israeli military.

The Cause and Company

We joined many of our friends, relatives, and other good-hearted folks from nearby towns for the Ocean Badminton Academy Charity Badminton Tournament for Palestine 2024. The mission? To raise money for the Palestinians who were being tragically affected by the ongoing massacres and genocide.

The food was scrumptious, featuring beef curry, Basmati rice, and vegetable curries. But it was the company that made the night special.

Among the notable characters were:

• Rubel Bhai: Always ready with an opinion on everything from politics to the perfect biryani. He’s got the credentials to back it up too, running his own small charity, Al-Buraq Foundation, for years. He’s the man who knows how to get things done, with a heart as big as his voice.

• Masum from the Crown of India: The social butterfly and the comic, he’s the life of the party and manages to get everyone involved. He keeps us all laughing but also ensures everything runs smoothly.

• Juned Khan: Our new amateur journalist, always with a camera in hand, ready to film and edit videos for Bangla satellite channels like Channel S. He’s our very own Peter Parker, capturing every moment with the aim to broadcast our efforts to the world.

The Generous Host

Monir, Joynul's cousin and one of the partners at Delhi 6 Lounge, kindly provided his restaurant free of charge for the charity night. It’s not every day you get to enjoy a meal in such a generous setting, and we were all grateful for his contribution.

The Venue

Delhi 6 Lounge, open for a couple of years, is a gem in South Shields. The place has a rustic charm, especially upstairs, where I wandered off to have a tour. Despite having frequented many eateries in the area, this was my first visit to Delhi 6. The decor was cosy, and the ambiance had an inviting feel.

The Feast

Our evening kicked off with plates of beef curry, Basmati rice, and a variety of vegetable curries. Each dish was cooked to perfection, bursting with flavors that transported us straight to the heart of India.

The Generosity

People were generous with their donations, contributing around £20 each for their meals. The atmosphere was buzzing with good cheer, meaningful conversations, and a shared sense of purpose.

In total, there was over £1250 raised for the people of Gaza!

The Characters

• Joynal Bhai: Always ready with a kind word and a helping hand.

• Johir Bhai: Another pillar of the community, always there to support a good cause.

• Abubakr Siddique: The main man from the Badminton group and one of the event’s main organisers, ensuring everything ran smoothly.

• Sponsors: The event was supported by generous local businesses and individuals such as Bangla Link grocery store, Jabed Bhai, Jamil Bhai, Shofu Bhai, Monir Bhai from Delhi Lounge, and Ocean Taxis.

The Social Dynamics

Rubel Bhai held court with his opinions on everything from charity work to cricket. His experience with Al-Buraq Foundation added a layer of depth to the discussions, reminding us of the importance of giving back.

Masum, ever the social butterfly, flitted from group to group, cracking jokes and ensuring everyone was having a good time. He might be the comic, but he’s also the one who gets things done.

Juned Khan, with his camera in hand, was capturing every moment for the Bangla satellite channels. He’s got the eye of a journalist and the heart of a storyteller, making sure our efforts are seen by a wider audience.

The Evening's Highlight

The highlight of the night, apart from the delicious food, was the camaraderie. We laughed, shared stories, and made plans for future events. The discussions were lively, with Rubel Bhai’s insights, Masum’s jokes, and Juned’s filming adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

As the night drew to a close, we felt a sense of accomplishment. We had come together for a worthy cause, enjoyed a fantastic meal, and strengthened our bonds of friendship.

So, here’s to more nights like this in 2024 – a blend of delectable food, great company, and shared stories. Keep an eye out for more from Yusuf’s Journey, and remember, the best meals are those shared with friends. Until our next culinary escapade, keep relishing the good times!

Remember, every meal tastes better when shared with good friends for a great cause.