Victorian Sikh Association Club - Australian Sikh Games - Harpreet Shergill

Hockey isn't just a sport for the Punjabi community; it’s a rhythm that has pulsed through Melbourne’s suburbs since the late 80s. As the city gears up for the 38th Australian Sikh Games, host Harprit Shergill sat down with Narinderbir Singh on Radio Haanji 1674 AM to discuss the club that started it all: the Victorian Sikh Association (VSA).

What emerged wasn't just a story of trophies and matches, but a deep look into a culture where the Club President is just as likely to be found vacuuming the kitchen as he is leading a board meeting. This is the story of the VSA—Melbourne’s first Sikh club—and its journey from 1988 to the present day.

The 1988 Connection: Where it All Began

The history of the Victorian Sikh Association is inextricably linked to the birth of the Australian Sikh Games. Both were established in 1988. Before the mega-festivals we see today, a group of founding members in Melbourne saw a need for a space where the community could bond through their shared love of hockey.

Narinderbir Singh explains that hockey is "in the blood" of Punjabis. While the club has since expanded into soccer, badminton, basketball, and netball, that original connection to the 1988 Games remains the cornerstone of their identity. Today, the VSA is a powerhouse, sending roughly 20 teams and 200 athletes to compete in various sports, making it one of the largest single-club participations in the country.

More Than a Club: An Inclusive Family Culture

One of the most striking parts of the VSA is its shift from a sports club to a family institution. Harprit Shergill noted the visible respect and inclusivity within the club, particularly regarding women’s participation. The VSA doesn't just "allow" women's teams; they are an essential part of the club’s fabric, treated with equal respect and priority.

This grounded culture comes from the top. Narinderbir shared a telling anecdote about the current President, Manjit Singh Sidhu. In many organizations, titles come with a sense of distance. At the VSA, positions are viewed as "work, not titles." Narinderbir recounted how the President himself takes responsibility for cleaning the kitchen and vacuuming the halls after events. This servant-leadership model—Seva in its truest form—is what keeps the nearly 500 membersconnected.

The Future: Building a Permanent Home

While the VSA currently calls Ashwood Reserve home—sharing facilities with the Waverley Hockey Club under the Monash Council—their vision is outgrowing their current boundaries. As Melbourne’s Punjabi community grows, the need for dedicated "green space" becomes more urgent.

The club is currently looking toward a future where they can establish their own grounds. This isn't just about having a private clubhouse; it's about having the space for multiple hockey and soccer pitches that the community can use without the constraints of shared council scheduling. For the VSA, the goal is simple: to ensure the next generation has the space to keep the traditions of 1988 alive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Victorian Sikh Association (VSA)?

The Victorian Sikh Association is Melbourne’s first Sikh sports and cultural club, established in 1988. It serves nearly 500 members and is a key participant in the Australian Sikh Games. The club focuses on hockey, soccer, and other sports while promoting community service, gender inclusivity, and Punjabi cultural heritage across Victoria.

When was the Victorian Sikh Association founded?

The Victorian Sikh Association was founded in 1988, the same year as the inaugural Australian Sikh Games. Since its inception, the club has been a pillar of the Melbourne Punjabi community, growing from a small hockey group into a multi-sport organization that supports hundreds of local athletes and their families.

How many teams does VSA send to the Australian Sikh Games?

The Victorian Sikh Association typically sends approximately 20 teams across various sports to the Australian Sikh Games. These include hockey, soccer, badminton, basketball, netball, and golf. With nearly 200 athletes participating, the VSA is often one of the largest and most successful clubs at the national tournament.

What are the core values of the VSA club?

The core values of the Victorian Sikh Association include inclusivity, diversity, and the spirit of volunteerism. The club is renowned for its gender-equal approach, supporting strong women’s sports programs. It operates on a "Seva" model where leaders and members work together equally to maintain facilities and support the community.

Where is the Victorian Sikh Association located?

The Victorian Sikh Association is currently based at Ashwood Reserve within the Monash Council area in Melbourne. They share these facilities with the Waverley Hockey Club. However, the club is actively seeking to acquire a larger block of land to build dedicated pitches and community spaces for their growing membership.

Conclusion

The Victorian Sikh Association is a living link to the history of Sikhs in Australia. By staying true to the humble, hardworking values of their 1988 founders, they’ve built a home for 500 members that feels less like a gym and more like a family.

Whether you're a hockey veteran or a newcomer to Melbourne, the VSA offers a space to belong. To hear the full story of their 1988 roots and their big plans for the future, listen to the latest episode on Radio Haanji.