The Indian Newslink Indian Sports Awards Presentation Ceremony has become the most important event in the sports calendar of the community, says Panworld Travel (Mangere & Pakuranga) Managing Director Nimesh Amin.
“The Awards Presentation Night held on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at ASB Stadium in Kohimarama, Auckland was one of the best events of its kind, with music and entertainment that appealed to everyone present,” he said.
Mr Amin said that Panworld Travel (Mangere & Pakuranga) was proud to be Title Sponsor of our Sports Awards this year.
“The Title Sponsorship added value not only to our company but also to Indian Newslink and its Sports Awards,” he said.
Colourful evening
He said that the Awards Presentation Ceremony accorded him an opportunity to interact with the members of the Indian community, many of who were his clients, and also provide an avenue for his staff to enjoy a quality evening.
“It was a colourful evening and we were pleased to see so many of our young players honoured for their achievements. The Awards Scheme, which had 15 individual categories, has now become the single most important event to recognise and reward sports achievers from our community,” he said.
Mr Amin said that it was important to encourage young people to take up at least one sporting activity to remain physically and mentally fit.
The modern world has become stressful, not only for those in employment and business but also for students, who lead a hectic life, he said.
Motivating youngsters
“Pursuing at least one type of sport would keep our youngsters refreshed and fit. Seeing them achieve milestones in sports would please elders, who in turn would promote their interest. I believe that was the main reason for Indian Newslink to institute the Awards Scheme. We hope to see an increasing number of young men and women becoming sports stars,” Mr Amin said.
He said that people of Indian origin have already made significant contributions to the sports in New Zealand, including Cricket, Rugby, Hockey, Golf, Boxing, Netball and Tennis, to mention a few.
Our national Stars
He cited the examples of Rocky Khan, Arun Panchia and Shareena Nana, all of who were winners at this year’s Awards.
“Rocky is the first Indo-Fijian (born in New Zealand) to play for All Blacks in Rugby Sevens. He has brought pride to his family, people from his native Ba and others. He has worked hard to rise through the ranks to be in our national Rugby team. He is a promising player whose career will be watched with interest,” Mr Amin said.
Steve Smith, Convenor of the independent panel of judges, agreed, saying that Arun and Shareena had proved their high proficiency in hockey by winning the Best Hockey Player of the Year trophy respectively in Male and Female categories. They also won the Supreme Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Awards.
“Arun was a member of the Black Sticks team that won the Azlan Shah Cup Tournament in Malaysia for the first time for New Zealand, and had a stint in the professional Hockey league in the Netherlands.
“While he did not make the final 18 to go to the 2012 London Olympics, he was named the first reserve to be called, in case of injury and was considered by some to be unlucky for having missed the final selection in the first place,” he said.
According to Mr Smith, Shareena’s achievements in 2012 included being part of the Premier 1 Women’s Howick Pakuranga club team, a member of the Auckland Indian Sports Club team at the Hockey Tournament during Queen’s Birthday weekend, and a member of the Northland National Hockey League team.
“Shareena came to prominence in 2011 when she was selected in the Junior Black Sticks team to tour India. Since then, Shareena’s development in Hockey is continuing. I hope that it is not long before she is considered for higher national honours,” he said.
Mr Amin said that David Bhana from India, who is currently Captain of the Junior Warriors Rugby League and Harry Venkat, who represented his native India in Boxing at the Commonwealth Games held in Delhi three years ago, added pride and honour to the Indian Diaspora.
Our Sponsors
Among the Sponsors of the Indian Newslink Indian Sports Awards 2013 were Panworld Travel (Mangere & Pakuranga- Title Sponsor), Maharaj Corporation McDonald’s, Food Safety (NZ) Ltd, TDA Immigration & Student Services, Food 4 Less Supermarkets, Supreme Sikh Council New Zealand Inc, The Car Clearance Centre, Windoors (NZ) Ltd, Spiceland Supermarket, Kabaddi Federation NZ, Barter Card, Sailax Shipping & Freight Forwarding Ltd, Bank Of Baroda (New Zealand) Ltd, Parshotam & Company Barristers & Solicitors and Balaji Sweets & Snacks (NZ) Ltd.
Photo :
1. Nimesh Amin of Panworld Travel (left) with Ramesh Patel, former Chief Executive of NZ Hockey Federation
2. Steve Smith, Convenor of Judges
