The 37th Australian Sikh Games, a major annual cultural and sporting event for the Sikh community in Australia, concluded successfully at the Crest Sporting Complex in Bass Hill, Sydney, over the weekend. The Games, held from April 18 to 20, 2025, brought together more than 5,000 athletes and over 100,000 spectators from across Australia and abroad, marking a vibrant celebration of Sikh identity and athleticism.
However, the event also drew attention due to the visible presence of Khalistani flags and pro-Khalistan slogans such as “Khalistan Zindabad” being heard within the games arena. These developments have sparked conversations about the politicization of cultural events and raised concerns among sections of the broader community.
The 2025 Games were organized by Avtar Singh Sidhu, President of the Organising Committee, and Sarabjot Singh Dhillon, President of the Australian National Sikh Sports and Cultural Council (ANSSACC), under the auspices of the Australia Sikh Association (ASA).
The Australian Sikh Games are regarded as a cornerstone for fostering unity and cultural pride within the Sikh diaspora. The event rotates between major Australian cities during the Easter long weekend. The previous edition was hosted in Adelaide in 2024, with Brisbane hosting in 2023. The 38th Games are scheduled to be held in Melbourne from April 3 to 5, 2026.
In addition to local athletes, the Games drew international participants and spectators from countries such as New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Popular sports included Kabaddi, Soccer, Hockey, Volleyball, Cricket, and Wrestling, among others.
A promotional banner for the upcoming “Yatra Nankana Sahib Australia to Pakistan,” a pilgrimage organized by Australia Sangat Nankana Sahib Charitable Organisation Inc., was also displayed prominently at the venue. The yatra is scheduled for November 2–12, 2025, with contact details listed for organizers Sarbjit Singh and Prabhjeet Singh.
The Australian Government has been a key supporter of the Sikh Games, with both the government and opposition pledging $450,000 in funding for the 2026 edition. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and Greenway Liberal candidate Rattan Virk were in attendance on April 18, using the occasion to engage with the community and build political goodwill.
Notably, Sarbjit Singh, one of the names linked to the Nankana Sahib Yatra, is the brother of Davinder Singh, who was reportedly involved in a pro-Khalistan protest on January 26, 2024. Sarbjit himself has previously been honoured by the Pakistan High Commission in October 2022 and 2024, drawing scrutiny over his affiliations.
While the Games remain a vital cultural platform for Sikhs in Australia, the appearance of separatist symbols and slogans has raised questions about the intersection of sports, culture, and political expression within diaspora communities. Whether this will impact future editions of the Games or government funding remains to be seen.
