Lions Hockey Club keeps Punjabi spirit alive in Australia

A group of Punjabi expatriates, once hockey players in various districts of Punjab, have come together in Australia to preserve their sporting heritage and pass it on to future generations.

Their passion has culminated in the creation of the Sydney Lions Hockey Club, founded four years ago with the aim of introducing Punjabi children to the game and keeping them engaged in sports.

Randeep Singh Bal, President of the club, spoke to The Tribune over the phone from Sydney and shared the journey of the club’s formation. Having moved to Australia in 2004, Randeep observed the lack of a dedicated platform for the Punjabi community in the local hockey scene. “That’s when the idea of forming a club took shape,” he explained. “We wanted to provide our children with an avenue to stay connected to hockey.”

The club has already made significant strides. Children as young as six are now training with the Sydney Lions, with more than 30 kids currently involved. Regular sessions focus on teaching the basics of the sport while emphasising discipline, teamwork and fitness.

But the Sydney Lions Hockey Club is not just about nurturing young talent. The club also has a men’s team that competes in local Sydney leagues, bringing experienced Punjabi players back to the field. Among the prominent members are Raghubir Singh Bal, Charan Kanwal Singh and Iqbal Sandhu—former players from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU)—who are actively involved in mentoring the next generation.

“We’ve extended an open invitation to the kids of the Indian community here to join us,” Randeep added. “Our goal is to promote hockey and provide a positive environment for young players.”

Despite their professional commitments, these hockey enthusiasts have devoted their time and energy to the sport, motivated by a sense of purpose and community. With a growing membership and increasing recognition in the local community, the Sydney Lions Hockey Club is not only preserving a legacy but also bridging cultural gaps, one goal at a time.