Entries open until May 5, 2025; Awards Night on June 16, 2025
Venkat Raman
Auckland, March 31, 2025
We are happy to announce the launch of the Eleventh Annual Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts, and Culture Awards 2025.
This is a call for entries, creating the yearly opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements of individuals and groups across New Zealand. These Awards have, over the years, become an integral part of the nation’s cultural and social landscape, highlighting the talents and contributions that enrich our communities.
Entry forms can be downloaded from our website or here: Call to-INL SCAC Awards 2025 Nomination Form
The Eleventh Annual Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts & Culture Awards Night, which will be held on June 16, 2025, will include speeches, entertainment, dinner and Awards Presentation. As in the past years, the audience will include our political, business and community leaders and a cross-section of our population.
A Legacy of Recognition
Since their inception, the Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts, and Culture Awards have stood as a beacon of recognition for the exceptional efforts of those who strive to make a difference. Established in 2012 with a vision to encourage and honour excellence, the Awards is an expression of a desire to acknowledge contributions across diverse fields, fostering a sense of pride and unity among New Zealanders.
What started as a modest sports initiative has now become a much-anticipated annual event, drawing nominations from all corners of the country. Over the years, the Awards have expanded their scope, embracing a wider range of categories to celebrate achievements not only in sports but also in community service, arts, and culture.
The Awards serve as more than just a platform for celebration; they are a testament to the perseverance, dedication, and talent of New Zealanders. They highlight the stories of unsung heroes who work tirelessly to uplift their communities, artists who bring vibrancy to our cultural fabric, and athletes whose feats inspire and unite us.
Each year, the event brings together a diverse audience, reflecting the multicultural essence of New Zealand. It provides a moment to pause and appreciate the accomplishments of individuals who often go unnoticed but whose efforts leave an indelible mark on society. The Ceremony is not merely an evening of accolades but a celebration of the human spirit and its boundless potential.
Our Sports, Community, Arts, and Culture Awards have grown in popularity, garnering widespread recognition and respect, becoming a cornerstone of the community’s annual calendar. It has attracted the participation of prominent personalities, including leaders from various sectors, who lend their support and endorsement to the initiative.
Inclusive and Widespread
The growth of the Awards can be attributed to their inclusivity and the transparency of the selection process. Categories are designed to encompass a broad spectrum of achievements, ensuring that talent in all its forms is celebrated. The rigorous judging process, conducted by panels of experts, upholds the integrity and prestige of the Awards.
Social media and digital platforms have also played a pivotal role in amplifying the reach and impact of the Awards. They have enabled communities to share inspiring stories of nominees, encouraging greater participation and fostering a culture of appreciation and recognition.
An Invitation to all New Zealanders
These Awards will honour another year of achievements. Individuals, Community Organisations, Associations and Societies, Sports Organisations, Coaches and Mentors can nominate individuals or organisations to celebrate their accomplishments.
Nominations are open to all South Asians – people of Indian and Indo-Fijian origin, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Nepali and Sri Lankan origin- reflecting our commitment to inclusivity and fairness. We urge you to put forward the names of individuals and teams who have demonstrated excellence in their respective fields. Perhaps it is the local coach who has dedicated countless hours to nurturing young athletes, the artist whose work captures the soul of a community, or the volunteer whose selfless efforts have transformed lives. This is your chance to ensure their contributions are acknowledged and celebrated.
Submitting a nomination is straightforward, and the process is designed to make participation accessible to all. Whether you belong to the bustling urban centres or the quiet rural heartlands, your voice matters. By nominating deserving candidates, you play a vital role in shining a spotlight on the exceptional individuals and initiatives that make New Zealand a better place.
Celebrating Together
The Awards Ceremony, the details of which will be announced later, promises to be an evening of celebration and camaraderie. It is an occasion to come together, share photographs, and draw inspiration from one another. As we recognise the achievements of this year’s winners, we also reaffirm our collective commitment to fostering a society that values and nurtures excellence.
The Eleventh Annual Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts, and Culture Awards stand as a testament to the spirit of New Zealand. They remind us of the power of recognition in encouraging greatness and the importance of community in achieving it. As we approach the event, let us come together to celebrate the diversity, talent, and dedication that define us as a nation.
We invite our readers to be a part of this remarkable journey. Whether as a nominator, a nominee, or an attendee, your participation is vital to the success and vibrancy of the Awards. Together, let us ensure that every deserving story is heard and every extraordinary effort is celebrated.
Sports Awards
Enter or Nominate in Soccer, Cricket, Hockey, Tennis, Badminton, Volleyball, Others
Best Sportsman and Best Sportswoman of the Year
(Winners of individual categories will be automatically entered)
Elite Awards
For men and women of the community who have excelled in sports during their life and career awarded by the New Zealand Indian Central Association (NZICA)
Community Awards
Individuals, Registered Associations, Registered Charitable Organisations, Registered Places of Worship, Registered Societies, Religious Services (Organisations and Individuals), Social Workers, Volunteers, Others (Acceptable to Judges)
Arts Awards
Graphic Artists, Architects, Architectural Designers, Cartoonists and others; Photographers, Painters and all other Creative People of Non-Performing Arts.
Culture Awards
Choreographers, Producers, Directors, Conductors, Dancers (Classical and Contemporary), Musicians (Vocalists and Instrumentalists) and all other artistes of Performing Arts.
For Conditions of Entry, Rules and Regulations and other information, please visit our website: www.indiannewslink.co.nz; Or call (09) 5336377; 021-836528; Email: venkat@indiannewslink.nz
Tickets, priced at $115 (including GST) per person and Tables seating ten persons per table at $1150 (including GST) are available.
For further information, please write to venkat@indiannewslink.nz
