M elbourne hosted the 38th Australian Sikh Games earlier this month, drawing large crowds and reinforcing the event’s place as one of the country’s biggest community-led sporting gatherings.
Held from 3 to 5 April in Parkville, the Games brought together more than 8,000 athletes and performers competing across 15 sports and cultural activities. Organisers estimate that over 100,000 people attended across the three days, with participation from around 120 not-for-profit sporting and cultural clubs.
Athletes and spectators travelled from across Australia and overseas, including New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Canada and the United Kingdom, reflecting the event’s expanding reach.
Crowds turned out in force throughout the programme, which combined competitive fixtures with cultural showcases. Kabaddi remained a major draw, alongside athletics and team sports, while music, food and performances added to a festival-like atmosphere around the venues.
Among those attending were Liberal figures including Jess Wilson, Evan Mulholland and Matthew Guy, who joined participants and spectators during the event.
Organisers, led by committee member Jag Chugha, were credited with delivering a well-coordinated programme despite the scale of the event. Volunteers played a central role, supporting logistics, scheduling, safety and venue operations across multiple sites.
The Australian Sikh Games, first held in 1988, rotate between major cities and regional centres each year. They have grown steadily in scale, evolving into a national platform that blends sport with cultural connection and community engagement.
That growth mirrors broader demographic trends. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows Sikhism is among the fastest-growing religions in the country, with more than 210,000 people identifying as Sikh in the 2021 Census, up from around 125,000 in 2016. Victoria accounts for a significant share, with Melbourne now a key centre for Sikh community life.
Organisers say interest in future editions remains strong, with plans to build on participation levels while maintaining the volunteer-driven structure that underpins the Games.
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