By Vincent D’Silva
JOHOR BARU: For the fourth time Johor will be hosting the 71st Gurdwara Cup & Sikh Festival of Sports 2023 in the city from June 1 – 4.
The last time Johor became host was in 2014 and more than 1,200 participants and officials took part in various sporting events. Last year the event was held in Perak.
According to vice-president of Johor Sikhs Sports Club (JSSC), Manjeet Singh, the Gurdwara Cup is the oldest sporting event in the country.
Manjeet said nine states including Singapore will be participating in the hockey, football, badminton, netball and golf tournaments.
This year will also see veterans participating in the hockey, football and golf matches.
The events this year will see hockey being played at Taman Daya Hockey Stadium, soccer at Arena Mutiara Johor Land, Bandar Dato’ Onn, badminton at Kelab Tiara, Pasir Pelangi, netball at Foon Yew High School Stulang Laut and golf at Forest City Golf Resort.
Manjeet mentioned that some 1,500 participants and officials from all over the country will be participating in numerous events, adding that, “all the events are open for the public to attend.”
“We have all the facilities and unwavering support from the government agencies, especially from the Menteri Besar’s office,
Johor Youth and Sports Exco and Johor State Sports Council
to help the Johor Sikhs Sports Club organise a successful event,” he said.
He stressed that Johor will be hosting the Asia Pacific Sikh Golf Tournament together with the Gurdwara Cup at Forest City. The event will be held concurrently as the 71st Gurdwara Cup & Sikh Festival.
He said that His Majesty Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Ismail is expected to grace the opening ceremony on June 1, while Johor’s Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Idris will be a guest at the Gurdwara Cup dinner on June 3 at Grand Bayview.
Manjeet also thanked JSSC patron Avinderjit Singh for his involvement, commitment, advice, contribution and support in making this tournament a success.
“His invaluable advice and unwavering support is vital as it goes to show that we are capable of hosting a world-class event in Johor,” he remarked.
He also expressed his sincere thanks to JSSC president A. Paramjit Singh for sacrificing his time, involvement and rendering his support in organising this great event.
Manjeet expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the entire committee and participants in making this tourney a victory.
“We really appreciate the effort and the time that the committee and the participants have invested to make this event possible. Various age groups will have the opportunity to participate in this event and have a good time,” he added.
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