The New Zealand Gujarati Sports and Cultural Association (NZGSCA) marked a major milestone on Saturday, 14 June, with a vibrant 35th Anniversary Celebrations and Grand Awards Night, honouring excellence in sports, community service, and the legacy of dedicated volunteers.
Held as a celebration of the Association’s achievements, the evening brought together members of the Gujarati community from across the country for a night of fun, reflection, and recognition.
The highlight of the evening was the presence of rugby sevens legend Waisale Serevi, who was welcomed as the Chief Guest. Known globally as the "King of Sevens", Serevi delivered a heartfelt address that centred on unity and hope—messages that struck a powerful chord with the audience.
President Ritesh Raniga expressed admiration for the rugby icon’s impact on the event. “I was blown away by Serevi’s popularity and how his message resonated with the entire audience,” he said.
Awards were presented to winners of sports competitions held by NZGSCA throughout the year, reflecting the Association’s strong focus on encouraging youth and community participation in organised sports.
The event also paid tribute to individuals who have served the Association since its inception, acknowledging their long-standing commitment to building a vibrant cultural and sporting platform for the community. Now in its 35th year, NZGSCA continues to be a thriving sports, cultural, and charitable organisation, engaging record numbers of participants from New Zealand’s Gujarati community.
Adding a colourful flair to the evening, a fashion show sponsored by Roop Darshan captivated the crowd and provided a festive celebration of culture and style.
In the spirit of giving back, a charity auction held during the evening raised over $14,000 for Hato Hone St John and St John Fiji, reinforcing NZGSCA’s continued dedication to humanitarian causes both locally and in the Pacific.