Thaindian News

By Ravinder Singh Robin

Adelaide, Apr 22 (ANI): The Premier of South Australia, Mike Rann, declared open the 24th Australian Sikh Games here on Friday.

The President of the Sikh Games Association, Mohanvir Singh, welcomed the chief guest and other dignitaries including American Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee (AGPC) Coordinator Dr. Pritpal Singh and Australia Sikh Gurdwara Committee President Mohinder Singh.

Premier Rann, who was accompanied here by Lieutenant Governor Hieu Van, lauded the Sikh Games and the role of Sikhs in all spheres.

“The Sikhs arrived in Australia 150 years ago and have made a respectable place for themselves. The Sikhs have played a significant role in World war II,” said Premier Rann.

He further said that he was aware of the problems faced by the students coming from India and assured that all issues would be taken care of.

Dr. Pritpal Singh told Asian News International (ANI) that such events could become a part of resolving Sikh identity issues. He further informed that still many countries including the developed ones need to educate about Sikhism and its code of conducts.

The Sikh Games held every year in different Australian cities has special attraction since only the Sikh players are allowed to participate.

The Sikhs Games are holding competition in kabaddi, hockey, basketball, soccer, tug of war, tennis and badminton.

Prior to the beginning of the games, the players presented march past in front of Premier Rann followed by the national anthem of Australia and the Sikh anthem ‘Deh Shiva Bar Mohe eho’.

Meanwhile, Mohanvir Singh informed that the Australian Sikh Games in Adelaide would conclude on April 24.

As per the set practice, the games allotted through bid would be played at Sydney next year with the cooperation of the local Gurdwara management committee. (ANI)