NRI Bhullar first wrestler to win both NAIA and CIS Championships

Oklahoma City, OK, March 10, 2009
Sohan Sahota

– Simon Fraser University Clan wrestler Arjan Bhullar (Richmond, B.C.) became the first SFU wrestler ever to win both an NAIA and CIS National Championship in the same season on Saturday night, following up his 2009 CIS Championship from last weekend by taking the 285-pound title at the 2009 NAIA National Championships, hosted by Oklahoma City University.

Bhullar becomes the first NAIA heavyweight champion from SFU since Mikhail Abdul-Latif won the crown in 2005. Bhullar, a member of the Canadian Senior National Team at 120kg, defeated Jake Kallestad from Dickinson State 4-2 in the finals. In all, Bhullar swept through four matches at the event after receiving an opening round bye to claim the title.

In the early stages, Bhullar defeated hometown favourite Jeremy Johnson of Oklahoma City by major decision 16-8, then knocked off Jason Lloyd in the quarterfinals by fall in 3:51. In the semifinals, Bhullar won a tight 3-2 decision over McKendree’s Dan Moore, setting up the final with Kallestad.

It’s been an outstanding senior season for Bhullar, leading SFU to team titles at the Canada West and CIS Championships, to accompany his individual Canada West, CIS and NAIA National Championships. This ends the collegiate wrestling season for the SFU Clan. Bhullar joins a list of impressive Clan wrestlers who have won NAIA National Championships, including 2000 Olympic Gold Medalist Daniel Igali.

SFU wrestler Arjan Bhullar, Canadian heavyweight champ, wins the title at the NAIA nationals.

• Name - Arjan Bhullar
• Weight - HWT
• Major - Bachelor of Arts
  Year - 3
• Hometown - Richmond
  Province/Country - BC
• High School/Last Team - Cambie