The 31st Australian Sikh Games were held over the Easter weekend from 30th March to 1st April 2017.
Between 90,000 to 100,000 people came to Bass Hill in Canterbury-Bankstown area for the weekend of sports and cultural showcase.
With 3000 athletes competing in 16 sports categories, the event was full of energy and promise for the years to come.
Ranjit Singh Khera from the Sydney Games Organizing committee told SBS Punjabi that the sports carnival was a big success with massive crowds turning up at the venue.
“This is one of the biggest ever crowd seen in the history of the games. We estimate that around 100,000 people attended the three-day spectacle of sports and culture,” said Mr Khera.
“It wasn't possible without the support of the local community who helped us script this big success story.
"Not only this sports carnival embodies family values but also incorporate the fundamentals of multiculturalism in Australia," he says.
“We thank all the participants, spectators, volunteers, committee members, sponsors, government representatives and media partners.
"There is always room for improvements and we're always open to any suggestions made in good spirit.
“We have a great feedback from the community. Everyone is highly appreciative of the arrangements that were made by local volunteers.
“We had about 130,000 food plates in the 'Langar' that were consumed over three days. It’s a big number and we highly appreciate the tireless efforts done by our volunteers,” said Mr Sidhu.
According to a joint media statement released by the local and national organizing committee, the event had the participation of 177 teams, making it the most highly participated in games till date.
There’re 64 local teams, 97 travelled from interstate and 8 teams represented regional parts of Australia.
Eight teams participated from overseas with the most number of players flying from New Zealand and Malaysia.
Soccer had the most number of players with over 1200 participants competing in different age groups and both genders.
The traditional sport of Kabaddi was the major attraction at the games. The competition was played between twelve teams from different parts of Australia.
Kabaddi finals between Singh Sabha Sports Club Melbourne and Baba Deep Singh Club Woolgoolga could not take place after controversies erupted over the non-compliance of the scheduled dope testing*.
In addition to sports, the event also showcased activities like cultural programs, turban tying competition, photo exhibitions and Sikh forum.
The Bathla Group had the biggest contribution to the Sikh games in form of free food and drinks (Langar). According to an estimate, the cost for this effort (‘sewa’) has gone well over $150,000.
The Games are held every year in capital cities and major regional areas around Australia.
Last year’s games at Adelaide attracted more than 40,000 people.
*SBS Punjabi will provide additional coverage to the circumstances leading to the Kabaddi controversy.
