The New Zealand Indian Sports Tournament begins in Pukekohe today (June 1), with teams from all over the country participating in the annual event.
Hosted by the Pukekohe Indian Sports Club (PISC), the three-day event, coinciding with Queen’s Birthday, will feature 16 hockey teams and five netball teams, including Auckland, North Harbour, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Central Districts, Wellington and Christchurch.
Publicity Coordinator Pravena Patel said that competition would be fierce and that the final matches, due to be held on June 3 would be exciting.
“The winner of the Men’s A Section will be presented with the ‘Dhyan Chand Cup.’ The only time when the PISC won this prestigious trophy was in 1972 and hence our team is truly primed for action this year. Most of the players of the 1972 team will be present to hopefully see history repeated on home turf,” she said.
Ms Patel said that the PISC Women’s and Men’s B Hockey teams were also looking forward to a winning performance.
“For the first time in a number of years, PISC will be represented in Netball, which will be played indoors at the Franklin Sport, Swim and Fitness Recreation Centre. With a Youth and a Senior team back on court, Pukekohe will be competing to win back the trophy they last held in 1999,” she said.
The Tournament began in 1962 and while PISC has participated in all the annual events over the past 51 years, it is hosting the Tournament for the first time since 2002.
“With the new, improved hockey facilities at Rosa Birch Park, we are proud to showcase Pukekohe to the rest of the country. This is an opportunity for us to showcase Pukekohe hospitality along with delicious cuisine,” she said.
Pravena Patel can be contacted on 021-536955. Email: pravena.patel@xtra.co.nz
Website: www.pisc.co.nz
