Competition and camaraderie at Australian Sikh Games

Athletes and audience alike enjoy displays of sporting skill and celebrate Punjabi tradition

It would be an understatement to say that life in Victoria was hectic over the Easter Weekend. For those who did not go away on holidays there was plenty to keep them occupied in Melbourne from the multiple Holi celebrations, 102-year-old marathon marvel Fauja Singh’s visit and the 26th Australian Sikh Games. The Indian community social calendar was choc-a-bloc throughout.

The Australian Sikh Games are held in each major city of Australia in rotation, and this year they were held in Melbourne from March 29-31. The games brought together the Sikh fraternity from all parts of the world including teams from New Zealand, Canada, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, UK and Malaysia. These popular games attract a large audience every year and embody the spirit of multiculturalism in Australia. Sporting skills are honed and tested through games like hockey, soccer, netball, volleyball, cricket, kabaddi, tennis, wrestling, athletics and golf. Previously Melbourne has hosted the Sikh games on 5 occasions with the last one held at Monash University in 2007.

The Punjabi competitive spirit was on ample display during the games as teams from overseas, interstate and Victoria vied with each other for gold. The audience was treated to a carnival like atmosphere with many stalls selling merchandise, Indian delicacies, kids activities, performances and ongoing entertainment.

The celebrations did not restrict themselves to the games venue as other events like the Sikh Games gala ball, Sikh Games cultural night and Dastaar Competition were also held during the long weekend.

Singing and dancing are an integral part of any Punjabi celebration so it was no surprise that an entire evening was committed to promoting the traditional folk arts of Punjab. The Sikh Games mega cultural night was held at Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University in Clayton on March 30. Twelve teams from around Australia (Sydney,

Adelaide, Townsville, Brisbane and Melbourne) and one from Auckland (New Zealand) performed for a packed audience of over 1500 people. Other attractions included Dhol Algozae Jugalbandii and Jindua performed by Pardeep Brar and group.

Said cultural coordinator and host of the event Dr Preetinder Grewal, “It was a kaleidoscope of vibrancy and colour with so many lively and pulsating dance performances; however the piece de resistance was the presence of 102 year old marathon runner Fauja Singh. As the chief guest for the evening, the remarkable athlete regaled the audience with jokes and stories and recounted numerous anecdotes from his life. His words were very inspiring and the audience was delighted with him.” Dr Grewal also thanked the Australian Sikh Games Organizing Committee S Harbhajan Singh Khera, Surinder Cheema, Kuldeep Bassi and Sarabjot Dhillon for making this event a huge success.

Some of the main sponsors for the Sikh Games were Education Access Australia, Imperial College of Technology and Management, Sunshine College of Management, Della International College, MPA Accountants and Barkly International College.

The Australian Sikh games are held under the auspices of the Australian National Sikh Sports and Cultural Council. The ANSSACC is the umbrella body of partner organizations that are selected each year to host and deliver the games in each city.

These are mainly community organizations that are run by volunteers who wish to contribute to the Sikh community. The 2013 partner organizations were Khalsa Lions, Victoria Sikh Association, Melbourne Punjabi sports Club and Melbourne Kabaddi Academy. The next Australian Sikh Games will be held in Perth.

With 37 years of experience inherited through family with reputation of helping people all over the world. therefore I strongly believe that I can solve your problems in the quickest way. Are you suffering from influence, blockage, unknown diseases or unhappy situations that you cannot get out of it. If so, then do not hesitate to contact me Mr Habib who can solve all of your problems within 7 nights especially Sexual problems, or Bad luck Business matters, exams, Court cases, Unhappy marriages or Relationship problem and many more.

100% guaranteed service work. By correspondence also available.