Baba Budha Ji Sports Club heads to Sikh Games 2026 as 3x state champs. Hear Jagdev Singh on their Pakenham journey. Listen free on Radio Haanji.
I’ve always believed that sports do more than just keep us fit; they weave a community together. When I sat down to listen to Jagdev Singh talk about the Baba Budha Ji Sports Club, that feeling was everywhere. Based in Pakenham, this club isn't just about hitting a ball over a net—it’s about legacy, discipline, and a ten-year journey that has led them to become a powerhouse in the Victorian volleyball scene.
As we look toward the 38th Australian Sikh Games Melbourne 2026, the excitement is hitting a fever pitch. Baba Budha Ji Sports Club is preparing to defend its reputation as a gold-medal-winning elite. In this episode of the Radio Haanji podcast, host Ranjodh Singh talks with Jagdev Singh about how a local club from Pakenham managed to beat some of the biggest university teams in the state and what they have planned for the upcoming games.
What is Baba Budha Ji Sports Club?
Established formally about a decade ago in the Pakenham area of Victoria, the club was born from a passion for volleyball. While they started with a small group of international students and enthusiasts, they have grown into a massive organization with around 60 active volleyball players. Today, they field four volleyball teams and two basketball teams, recently even introducing a women’s volleyball team to encourage broader community participation.
The club operates under the leadership of President Onkar Singh and Treasurer Jagdev Singh, supported by Secretary Harkanwaljit Singh and Coordinator Harman Singh. Their mission is simple: to provide a positive, inclusive, and competitive environment for Punjabi youth. If you are looking for other clubs focused on similar goals, you might want to check out the Sikh United Melbourne youth development pathways.
A Winning Streak: Victorian State League to Sikh Games
The club’s resume is genuinely impressive. They aren't just playing for fun; they are playing at the highest levels of the sport in Australia.
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Victorian State League: For three consecutive years, the club has been the Gold Medalist in the State League, competing against elite local clubs and top-tier university teams like Monash.
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Australian Sikh Games: They have secured the Gold Medal in Division 1 twice, making them a "team to beat" for the 2026 tournament.
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State Representation: Three of their star players—Kanni Sangha (Captain), Jyota (Ranjodh Singh), and Pawanjit Singh—represent the Victorian State Team in the Australian Super League.
This level of success doesn't happen by accident. It’s the result of a rigorous training schedule. The team meets every Sunday and Wednesday evening for sessions that have not stopped for a single week in ten years. Much of this success is attributed to their coach, Kuldeep Singh Dhillon, who brings national and international experience to the Pakenham courts.
Preparing for Sikh Games 2026 Melbourne
The upcoming Australian Sikh Games 2026 will be a home-turf battle for the Melbourne-based club. Jagdev Singh emphasized that while they used to rely heavily on international players, the focus has shifted. They are now actively recruiting and training "born and bred" local kids from Melbourne's South East.
This focus on the next generation ensures that the club’s legacy will continue long after the current veterans retire. They are following a model similar to other successful clubs in the region, such as the Diamond Sports Club, which also balances multiple sports like basketball and volleyball.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the coach of Baba Budha Ji Sports Club?
The club is coached by Kuldeep Singh Dhillon, a veteran with extensive experience at both the Indian national and international levels. He has dedicated his life to the sport of volleyball and provides professional-grade training sessions to the players twice a week in Pakenham to ensure competitive success.
Where is Baba Budha Ji Sports Club located?
Baba Budha Ji Sports Club is primarily based in Pakenham, a suburb in the South East of Melbourne, Victoria. They represent the local Punjabi community in regional tournaments and the Victorian State League, providing a hub for athletes across the Melbourne metropolitan area to train and compete.
How many teams does the club have in the Sikh Games?
The club typically fields multiple teams across different divisions. For the upcoming Sikh Games 2026, they are expected to have four volleyball teams and two basketball teams. This includes their elite Division 1 team, which has previously won gold medals twice at the national level.
Can local youth join the Baba Budha Ji Sports Club?
Yes, the club is currently placing a heavy emphasis on recruiting local-born Punjabi youth from Melbourne. They aim to provide a pathway for young athletes to move from community sports to professional levels, including potential representation in the Victorian State Team and the Australian Super League.
What are the dates for the Sikh Games 2026 in Melbourne?
The Australian Sikh Games 2026 will be held from April 3rd to April 5th, 2026, in Melbourne. It is a major cultural and sporting event expected to draw thousands of athletes and spectators. For more details on logistics, see our Sikh Games parking and transport guide.
Conclusion
The story of Baba Budha Ji Sports Club is one of relentless consistency. From their humble beginnings in Pakenham to dominating the Victorian State League, they have proven that the Punjabi community in Australia is a force to be reckoned with in professional sports. As they prepare for the 2026 Sikh Games, their focus on local youth and disciplined training under Coach Dhillon makes them the team to watch.
Whether you are a volleyball fan or just want to support the community, following their journey is inspiring. We can't wait to see them take the court this April.
Listen to the full interview with Jagdev Singh on Radio Haanji.
Listen free:
Radio Haanji 1674 AM — Free to listen at haanji.com.au. Serving the Punjabi community across Australia, Singapore and worldwide.
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