Sporting events, entertainment and social gatherings marked the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the Christchurch Indian Sports Club (CISC) last fortnight.
The finale was held at the Peppers Clearwater Convention Centre on November 24.
Over the years, the Club has endeared itself not only to the Indian community but also to other ethnic groups in the Canterbury region.
A number of officials and members of the community told Indian Newslink that the Indian Hockey team, which toured New Zealand in 1926 and 1935 was a source of pride and inspiration for the formation of the Club.
A few youngsters established CISC in 1937 to engage themselves in sports.
With a small but well-connected community, the Club remained a part of the Christchurch Indian Association but became a separate entity in 1966.
Hockey inspires
The visit of Dhyan Chand brought the spirit of Hockey to the Indian community in New Zealand and since then, a number of tournaments have been held in his name, including the ‘Dhyan Chand Cup.’
Our former Reporter Manju Shelke, writing in our June 15, 2004 issue, said that the first tournament for the Dhyan Chand Trophy and the New Zealand Indian Sports Association (NZISA) Trophy was held in Wellington in 1963 and that it has grown to become a fiercely competitive match.
“The Dhyan Chand Trophy, instituted in memory of the Hockey legend, is considered a prized possession of Indian men’s Hockey. Mr Chand is to this day considered a master of the game and one of the world’s best during his lifetime.
“When an Indian Hockey team participated in the Hockey tournament for the first time in the Eighth Olympiad held in Amsterdam in 1928, India won the championship 3-0 and two of the three goals were scored by him. He was the skipper of the Indian team at the tenth Olympiad held at Berlin in 1936, defeating Germany 4-1. His hockey stick was like a magician’s baton and his passion for the game endured as a coach long after his retirement,” she had said.
CISC organised the first Indian Tournament (for awarding the Coronation Cup) in Christchurch in 1953. The Tournament was held in association with Indian Sports Clubs of Auckland and Wellington.
With its current membership at 200, the Club organises Hockey, Cricket and Netball tournaments every year.
Looking up to better times- Members of the Christchurch Sports Club
Social integration
Club President Hersha Bhana said that interacting with various Indian sports clubs around the country fosters friendship and bond among Indians.
“Our vision is to encourage and identify the potential inherent in our men and women and boys and girls and encourage them to achieve professional standards.
“We are also keen to promote the physical fitness and sporting standards of the younger generation, and provide a network for Indians in New Zealand.”
Mrs Bhana said that involvement in sports and community activities helps people to stay closer to their culture and heritage.
CISC is currently on a membership drive.
The Club promotes Hockey, Cricket, Netball and Golf
For further information, write to secretary.cisc@gmail.com
Website: www.cisc.org.nz (also on Facebook).
Dr George Abraham is our South Island Correspondent based in Christchurch
