The spirit of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and intergenerational bonding took centrestage as the Kiwi-Kannada community in Auckland came together for a two-day sports gala.
Organised by New Zealand Kannada Koota (NZKK), the event held on July 29 and August 26 brought together nearly 150 participants across all age groups each day. The event celebrated exceptional talent, promoted inclusivity, and reinforced community bonds.
Day 1 at Portage Road, New Lynn, saw participants engaged in 85 badminton matches and 40 intense table tennis matches.
Day 2 at Fickling Convention Centre featured 72 competitive carrom matches, 36 chess games, and seven matches of family indoor cricket with a sponge ball.
The presence of known community leaders, such as Lingappa Kalburgi, Prakash Raja Rao, Ramchandra Holakkal and Ravishankar, reflected their unwavering support for the community's endeavours.
Talking to The Indian Weekender, NZKK President Ajay Ravi said, "It’s wonderful to see that the sports event was a great success and that there was a strong sense of fun and a winning spirit among participants of all age groups.”
“One of the standout moments was the introduction of indoor family cricket with a sponge ball. It brought together participants ranging from five to 75 years old, showcasing the event's inclusivity. It's heartening to know everyone had a fantastic time and thoroughly enjoyed it."
He maintained that the sporting event wasn't just about sports but about fostering a strong sense of community spirit and togetherness.
“Highlighting emerging sports talents within the Indian community enriches our cultural landscape and broadens our horizons beyond the traditional dance and music performances that have been our hallmark.
“These rising sports stars are becoming an integral part of the wider Aotearoa community, showcasing a diverse array of skills and talents that the Indian diaspora can contribute to our nation,” says Ajay.
The inspiration behind this sporting celebration was to instil a winning spirit within the community, ensuring its continued growth and vitality for generations to come.
"Sports serve as a powerful medium to unite Koota with the wider Indian community. By promoting a culture of sportsmanship and encouraging the showcasing of emerging talents, Koota strengthens its bonds and paves the way for a vibrant and interconnected community.
“This shared enthusiasm for sports unites us in the present and ensures a legacy that will continue to connect generations, reinforcing the importance of community and unity in our shared journey," Ajay says.
Koota Executive team have done an excellent job in organizing well-executed sports days. Full credit goes to this awesome team who have worked tirelessly!
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