Melbourne, Australia (March 29, 2013): The Australian Sikh Games 2013 are being held from 29-31 March, 2013 in Melbourne. These are the 26th Australian Sikh Games and are held in each major city of Australia in rotation.
According to information shared at the website of Australian Sikh Games: “[h]eld every year during Easter the Australian Sikh Games are a representation of the Sikh Community’s competitive spirit and forms an integral part of the community’s social calendar”.
“These Games embody family values and incorporates the fundamentals of multiculturalism. Although for logistic reasons the Games are held to bring together the Sikh fraternity”.
According to information shared at the website of Mohash University: “It (Australian Sikh Games) could be viewed as a ‘mini-Olympics’ with the participation of several international teams from Malaysia, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Malaysia”.
According to information available with Sikh Siyasat News (SSN) a Melbourne based Punjabi radio – Qaumi Awaaz Punjabi Radio (qaumiawaaz.com.au) – is broadcasting live commentary of various events of Australian Sikh Games 2013.
As per information the core games played for are Hockey, Soccer, Netball, Volleyball, cricket and Golf. Kabadi, a cultural game of the Sikhs, which draws a very large crowd always, is the most popular game of the community. Also held will be tennis, wrestling and athletics. These are competed by interstate Clubs from Australia and teams from Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, UK and Canada. each year, the carnival atmosphere is there for all to enjoy.
Melbourne has had the opportunity to hold these Games on 5 occasions. The first 3 Games held in Melbourne were held at the Royal Parade Grounds (what is now the State Hockey and Netball Centre). The last two Games were held at Monash University (last held in 2007).