Craigieburn Falcons Hockey Club- 38th Sikh Games Melbourne - Harpreet Shergill

The Sikh Games are almost here, and if you’ve been around the Parkville State Sports Centre lately, you can feel the energy building for the 38th edition. Radio Haanji host Harpreet Shergill recently caught up with Paramjot Singh and Bhupinder Kaur from the Craigieburn Falcons to discuss how a local club became a second home for hundreds of Punjabi families. Why the Craigieburn Falcons Matter Paramjot Singh notes that the club kicked off in 2017, playing its first full season in 2018. It wasn’t always the massive organization it is now. It started with one men's team and a simple love for the game. Today, they have nearly 200 players. They’ve built a pathway that takes kids from their first time holding a stick at Under-10 level all the way to Vic League 1. The Power of Women in Sport One of the most inspiring parts of the Falcons' story is the growth of the women's teams. Bhupinder Kaur, who represented Australia in New Zealand for the Masters World Cup, is a big reason for that shift. She didn't just want a team; she wanted to empower mothers and daughters. Bhupinder noticed that when the "Mummy" of the house joins in for fitness or a game, the rest of the family naturally follows. This year is particularly special because the Sikh Games will feature a full-field women's hockey competition. Our Future Stars The Falcons were recently named Junior Club of the Year by Hockey Victoria, and you can see why when you look at their roster. Kids like Jagat Kuar are already representing Victoria at the U21 level, while players like Harbarik Singh and Angad Viraj are pushing for national spots. Seeing these "Dastar-bound" (turbaned) kids playing in mainstream Victorian clubs is a proud moment for the entire community. Frequently Asked Questions What is the Craigieburn Falcons Hockey Club? The Craigieburn Falcons Hockey Club is a Melbourne-based sports organization founded in 2017 to promote hockey within the Punjabi community. It fields nearly 200 players across various divisions, including Men’s Vic League 1, Women’s teams, and Juniors from U10 to U18, focusing on family involvement and elite skill development. When are the 38th Sikh Games in Melbourne? The 38th Australian Sikh Games are scheduled to take place from 3 April to 5 April 2026 in Melbourne, Victoria. The event primarily uses the State Sports Centre in Parkville and attracts thousands of athletes competing in sports like hockey, kabaddi, and soccer alongside vibrant cultural programs. Who is Bhupinder Kaur in Australian hockey? Bhupinder Kaur is a professional hockey player and mentor at the Craigieburn Falcons. After a 15-year break from the sport, she made a successful comeback in Melbourne, eventually representing Australia at the 2024 International Masters Hockey Cup in New Zealand and advocating for women's participation in Punjabi sports. How do the Craigieburn Falcons support junior players? The Falcons provide structured coaching for age groups ranging from Under-10 to Under-18. Their success includes being named Hockey Victoria's Junior Club of the Year and producing athletes who compete at the state and national levels, such as Jagat Kuar and Mansirat Gill. Is women's hockey part of the Sikh Games? Yes, women’s hockey is a key component of the 38th Sikh Games in Melbourne. For the first time, the competition will include a full-field women's hockey category, reflecting the significant growth of female participation in the sport across the Australian and New Zealand Punjabi diaspora. Listen free: Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple Podcasts Download the iOS app Download the Android app   Radio Haanji 1674 AM is Austalia's Punjabi community radio station. Listen free at haanji.com.au | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iOS App | Android App Serving the Punjabi community in Australia, Canada, Singapore and world wide.