By Jagmeeta Thind Joy
From exciting basketball matches to adrenaline pumping rounds of Kabaddi, the agility of soccer to action-packed games of hockey, the 36th Australian Sikh Games promises all this and more.
The three-day sporting spectacle, which kickstarts on March 29 at Ellis Park, West Terrace in Adelaide, is more than just a competitive event; it’s also about camaraderie, inclusivity, and the celebration of Sikh heritage in Australia.
The Games, which are organised annually by the Australian National Sikh Sports and Cultural Council (ANSSACC), have been held across capital cities and major regional areas in Australia. ANSSACC’s member base consists of more than 120 Sikh sporting clubs across Australia. Sarabjot Singh Dhillon is the current national president of ANSSACC.
Since its inception in 1988, the event has seen robust participation of both athletes and spectators across genders and diverse age groups from around the country and overseas, including those from New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Canada and the UK.
With Adelaide playing host to the 36th edition, organisers and volunteers have been hard at work over the past couple of months making sure everything goes to plan.
“The Australian Sikh Games is a premier sporting and cultural event for the Sikh community in Australia,” said Balwant Singh, president of the Organising Committee of the Adelaide edition.
“We are expecting crowds of over 100,000 people over the three days with more than 3,500 athletes set to compete in 17 different sports. Everyone is welcome to attend,” Mr Singh said.
“The Games are organised to not only encourage, promote and develop all forms of sporting activities but also to promote Sikh culture and heritage. We will also be hosting free langar on all the three days,” Mr Singh added.
Hon Russell Wortley MLC, South Australian Labor Party is looking forward to all the sporting action
Apart from mainstream sports such as soccer, basketball, cricket, netball and golf, the Games also include traditional sports like Kabbadi. Cultural shows, a networking forum and music performances are also part of the event.
Among those looking forward to catching all the sporting action, including his personal favourite, Kabaddi, is Hon Russell Wortley MLC, South Australian Labor Party.
A strong supporter of all community events, Mr Wortley was all praise for the volunteers, organisers and sponsors who have put together this year’s event in Adelaide. “The Games are back in Adelaide this year and I look forward to catching the Games over the Easter weekend,” he said.
So mark your calendars and be a part of this unforgettable experience. Let the games begin!
Where: Ellis Park, West Terrace, Adelaide
When: March 29 to 31
How to get there: A shuttle bus service will run every 15 minutes from Goodwood Road, Show Ground Parking (Park 22) to Ellis Park.
