The preliminary hockey matches were held at the Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh. Other games at the festival included badminton and netball.
THE 70th Gurdwara Cup and Sikh Festival of Sports was held after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Perak Sikh Union (PSU) hosted the games at its brand new grounds in Taman Botani, Ipoh in Perak.
As the beat of the dhol (traditional Punjabi drums) filled the air, contingents from various states and Singapore lined up for the opening ceremony of the games that was attended by Olympic Council of Malaysia president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria.
Malaysian Singapore Sikhs Sports Council (MSSSC) president Baljit Singh Randhay said it was good to be able to hold the games again as Sikhs from all over the country and Singapore gathered to strengthen the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship.
“The Gurdwara Cup and Sikh Festival of Sports is an event that thrills and unites all Sikhs from Malaysia and Singapore who share a passion for sports.
“We have been organising games like hockey, football, netball, badminton and golf every year with good participation,” he said, adding that the event was held over four days this time around.
Baljit said one of the main objectives of the games was to see Sikh youths excel in sports.
(From left) MSSSC patron Datuk Dr S.S. Cheema and council immediate past president Datuk Gurjeet Singh Randhe presenting a souvenir to Norza after the opening ceremony as Baljit looks on.
When the games started more than 70 years ago, only hockey was featured.
More sports had gradually been introduced in the games over the years.
“This Sikh sports festival is not just for the senior players but for the juniors as well,” said Baljit.“Also, our affiliates have been organising sports development programmes for the youths and I am very proud to see many teams taking part this year,” he said.
He thanked the Perak government for its support of the MSSSC.
He said Johor and Kuala Lumpur were declared joint champions for hockey (seniors) after the final had to be called off following a downpour, while the junior category was won by Penang with Kuala Lumpur coming in second.
Perak and Selangor were also declared joint winners for football (senior) while Selangor and Kuala Lumpur shared the accolades in the junior category after heavy rain forced the matches to be called off.
Negri Sembilan took home the top prize in men’s badminton after the team defeated Kuala Lumpur in the final.
Selangor won the netball tournament and Kuala Lumpur came in second.
Perak emerged the top team in golf, with Pahang taking second place.
