Prime Minister Narendra Modi has greeted the Australian National Sikh Sports and Cultural Council in Brisbane on the occasion of the 35th Australian Sikh Games.

In a letter to the Australian National Sikh Sports and Cultural Council, Modi commended the Sikh community for their strong emphasis on physical health, spiritual growth, teamwork, and participation in sports, all of which align with the values espoused by the holy Gurus.

‘The holy Gurus guided India and the world with many eternal and timeless values’, read the letter.

The Australian Sikh Games are the premier sporting and cultural event for the Australian Sikh community. The 3-day event is currently being held in Brisbane. Participants  - athletes and spectators - come from all over Australia and New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Canada and the U.K.

The events includes a wide array of traditional Indian and Australian sports and cultural events. The Games draw crowds of up to 100,000 people and 3,500 athletes compete in 14 different sports. The  Australian National Sikh Sports and Cultural Council runs aproximately 120 Australian clubs and 11 international clubs.

PM’s letter highlighted the important role of sports in bringing people from diverse backgrounds together, as it promotes inclusivity and provides an equal platform to all individuals, regardless of social status.

PM Modi further emphasized the strong partnership and similarities between India and Australia, including their shared history, values, commitment to democracy, and respect for a rules-based international order.

Recalling his experience of watching a cricket match between India and Australia along with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Modi said, “Sport is adding an important dimension to the Australia-India relationship.”

Poster of the Australian National Sikh Games

Modi also noted the special significance of the 35th Australian Sikh Games in providing a larger platform for the Sikh community to showcase their sporting skills, competitive spirit, and teamwork.

The participation of players from different nations was also highlighted, underscoring the important role of sports in promoting cultural exchange and international cooperation.

Prime Minister lauded the Australian Sikh Games as a contribution from the Indian diaspora who ‘have carved a niche for itself in the global landscape’.

PM Modi's connection with the Sikh community is seen in his initiatives like the reopening of the Kartarpur Corridor, and commemoration of the martyrdom of Chhote Sahibzadas (the sons of Guru Gobind Singh) and his visits to Gurudwaras on special occasions.

“The holy Gurus also gave the message of bringing people of different sections of society together as a team to achieve progress. These concepts are also relevant in the world of sports, where people come together to participate on an equal platform irrespective of their social background. Following in these footsteps, the Sikh community has always been actively involved in sports, teamwork, and fitness,” the letter reads.

He said the 35 Australian Sikh Games acquire special importance. The organization of these Games will help the Sikh community demonstrate its sporting skills, competitive spirit, and teamwork on a bigger platform. The participation of players from different nations is also noteworthy.

“I am sure that this initiative will enhance the love and affection for our Diaspora not just in Australia, but across the world,” Prime Minister wrote in the letter.